This was our favorite activity in Bohol, Philippines. It was so amazing to witness these endangered species in a serene and safe environment. No speaking, touching or close contact is allowed at the sanctuary which is how it should be because these animals are very timid. We had a lovely tour guide named Mary Ann who educated us on these amazing creatures. I captured some close up video shots of the tarsiers with my DSLR camera's zoom feature and featured an interview with our tour guide in my vlog here, if you'd like a preview of what to expect when you visit https://youtu.be/Q6mxVQw8aCY If I were you, I would go to Bohol JUST to visit this sanctuary because it's that special. read more

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary - Our tour guide Mary Ann. She was so knowledgeable! You could really feel her passion for the tarsiers! (Photo by Deanna Troy Travels) - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Corella, BOH

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One of the best things in life is to experience the beauty and grace of the rarest animals and flowers in a rare botanical and zoological landscape of the Philippines. To experience this rare treat, we took a local flight via Cebu Pacific to Cebu and then a boat ride to Bohol, a nearby island where these icons live and thrive. As a backgrounder, these tarsiers are tiny, nocturnal primates native to the Philippines, known for their large eyes and ability to rotate their heads 180 degrees. They also have velvety fur, tarsiers are small, weighing 80-150 grams and measuring 9-16 cm long, excluding their tails, which are about twice as long. While there, we were advised to observe extreme silence and sudden movements or make any unnecessary sounds or noise, as this can disrupt their sleep or their propensity to engage in sexual productivity whatsoever. There were minders and tour guides who took these photos and reminded us to only walk within the established routes and spaces, as part of their tourist program. These tarsiers are one of the country's national treasures and if you haven't seen one face-to-face, you really haven't lived life to the fullest, to my mind. I am a Professor of Sciences at the largest state university in California, the California State University, Northridge where I earned an academic scholarship as a young g man from the Philippines (one of 2, lucky in my mind) and as a global researcher, I haven't really seen such wonder, myself. So, if you plan to visit Southeast Asia, drop by the Philippines and enjoy one of the rarest encounter with the tarsier, one of the smallest primate in the world. Enjoy! read more

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For years I had Tarsiers and Whale Sharks on my Philippines bucket list for years, Well I finally got the Tarsiers done, These little guys the save of a small hamsters nocturnal so you are lucky to see one with the eyes open. Don't expect much from these sanctuaries, I only saw three Tarsiers here and they just sit all day under some banana leaf shade sleeping. read more

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I learned that Tarsiers were an endangered species during science class while growing up in Manila. I never really imagined that I'd see them after I moved out of the motherland, but I'm so happy I did. My family booked a private driver to bring us to Bohol's top sights and he said that the work done at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is the real deal. Entrance fee is P60 per person. You're given the talk about what to expect, how Tarsiers look like, behave, what not to do, etc. Please listen to your guides, don't use flash photography as it stresses the little creatures and we don't want that. The sanctuary is an enclosed gated piece of the forest, but it's maintained by the workers quite nicely. They'll remind you to be quiet since sudden, loud noises are also stressful to the Tarsiers. There were certain hiding spots where they hang out, so we just followed our guide, observed in silence and watched them in pure awe. They're about the size of your hand with big, curious eyes. They can jump from one tree branch to another with the blink of an eye. The whole thing is over in 15 minutes and after you exit, there's a souvenir shop where you can buy keychains, snacks and water. New to the Philippines? make sure to get iced candy on your way out. read more

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I heard of the Tarsiers from my science classes during my elementary years and have always been curious to see one. Being that I am in the province where these little Yoda-like creatures reside, I made sure that I visited their sanctuary and learn about them. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary was our first stop during our day tour. As soon as you enter the premises, there were signs as to what is expected from visitors -- no camera flash, no loud noises, and other facts you need to know about these little primates. The tour in their sanctuary is very quick, you're done in more or less than 15 minutes. You will be greeted by tour guides and again remind you of not using flash and not creating too much noise as it does create stress on the Tarsiers. Our tour guide pretty much let's us know where can we find them in the very lush forest-like sanctuary. We were told that before they open the sanctuary for visitors, they actually have to find the Tarsiers first so that they know where to direct guests. Apparently, these little primates don't like too much sun nor too much rain -- so they hide well underneath the trees. As much as you want to hold them or take them as pets, they cannot be held captive or cannot be taken away from their natural habitat as they are very territorial. The sanctuary is working on saving them from extinction as there are between 5,000 to 10,000 of them left in the world. After the tour, there is a small souvenir section where you can purchase Tarsier stuffed toys, magnets, key chains, and other little trinkets -- all for affordable prices. And because the area can be very humid, there are also refreshments available for purchase. read more

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The Philippine tarsier is essentially the smallest primate/ ape (NOT monkey) in the world, and due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, the species is now endangered. This sanctuary in Corella is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation and it is the only official sanctuary in Bohol supported by the Department of Tourism and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. You want to go here and NOT to the one in Loboc which isn't recognized as a sanctuary whatsoever. Entry is 60 pesos per person. After paying, a volunteer briefs you on the tarsier behavior and physical features, along with the rules each visitor should abide by while on the grounds. The research and development center where you start should be explored as there are plenty of informational cards on the tarsier. Wander off to the left and you'll find yourself on the Tarsier Trail. The grounds are enclosed to keep out predators, but the tall bamboo, palm, and mahogany trees do enable the tarsiers to climb out should they desire to. The main rule to follow is to keep your voice down to barely a whisper and to take photos without flash and at a distance. You don't want to startle these emotionally sensitive animals as they are easily stressed and have been known to commit suicide! I can't believe the Loboc sanctuary allowed you to hold and pet them in the past; perhaps another reason why you should not go to that one. There were about 4 tarsiers we could see visibly and at eye-level, another was hiding in the branches up above which a volunteer pointed out to us. A good sign was that they were all sleeping and seemed relatively at ease. Crowds were minimal however there was a group that I would have deemed too large and that lingered greedily for too long at each spot. Some might complain that they don't have "many" tarsiers, but this was a somewhat more natural setup. There was one though that seemed staged as a volunteer was nearby to take pictures of a conveniently placed tarsier in the foreground while you crouched in the back. I also didn't like how she waved at the tarsier to get it to open its eyes for the pictures. Overall, the visit was a positive one. Seeing these creatures up close was definitely something to marvel and wonder over. They really were SO small and cute with their googly eyes. Perhaps they will become the next panda as the cute species we want to legitimately make efforts to save. read more

Boy, they are small. There a couple of places to see them. They are small & hide well in the trees. Good thing the place we went to had kids standing by pointing the tarsier out to you. We actually saw 6 of them, which turns out to be a good amount!!! Had a good time & took some great photos. Enjoy. read more

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