Ā My Encounter with Boholās Tiny Wonder
When I first stepped into the forest trails of the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol, I wasnāt entirely sure what to expect. I had seen photos of the Philippine tarsier beforeāthose wide, soulful eyes and tiny, grasping fingersābut nothing quite prepared me for the stillness, the delicate silence, and the surreal moment when I finally locked eyes with one. There it was, no bigger than my clenched fist, clinging quietly to a branch in the dense undergrowth. Despite the buzz of distant tour vans and cameras clicking behind me, it felt like the world slowed down for a second.
The Philippine tarsier isnāt just a wildlife curiosityāitās one of the smallest primates on Earth and among the most sensitive. Visiting them in a space where they are free to roam, protected from noise and artificial stress, is the only responsible way to encounter these creatures. Thatās what sets the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol apart from other wildlife stops. Itās not a zoo or photo booth; itās a forest haven where the tarsiers live on their termsāand we humans are only guests.
In this guide, Iāll walk you through everything you need to know for your visitāfrom getting there, to what to bring, and how to spot these elusive animals. If youāre planning a trip to Bohol, make sure this sanctuary tops your list. Itās more than a tourist attractionāitās a window into a world most people never get to see.
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Table of Contents
About the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella
Tucked away in the quiet municipality of Corella, the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary is more than just a tourist destinationāitās a thriving conservation area with a deeply rooted mission: to protect the Philippine tarsier and its fragile ecosystem. Managed by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, this sanctuary spans approximately 167 hectares of secondary forest, forming what is known as the official Corella tarsier habitat. It is one of the few places in the country where tarsiers are protected in the wild rather than displayed in cages or commercial enclosures.
When I visited the sanctuary for the first time, what stood out was how un-commercial it feltāno loud music, no selfie stations, and certainly no handling of animals. Instead, it was the soft rustle of trees, the filtered sunlight through the canopy, and the trained eye of the guide pointing quietly to a still figure gripping a branch. Thatās the ethos of the sanctuary: respect, not spectacle.
Unlike the tarsier displays in more touristy parts of Bohol, this sanctuary gives these delicate primates room to live naturally. Tarsiers are solitary, territorial, and incredibly sensitive to stress. Thatās why the sanctuary enforces strict rules on noise, flash photography, and human contact. The guides track the tarsiersā sleeping locations each morning, ensuring that guests can observe them without disturbing their natural rhythms.
The Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary also serves as an educational hub. The visitor center features exhibits about tarsier biology, behavior, and the foundationās conservation efforts. Knowing that my small entrance fee went toward habitat protection and species survival made the experience even more meaningful. If you truly want to see tarsiers ethically and authentically, Corella is the place to do itāwhere conservation leads the experience, not commercialization.
How to Get to the Tarsier Sanctuary
Getting to the Tarsier Sanctuary from Tagbilaran CityĀ
If you’re coming from Tagbilaran City, the gateway to mainland Bohol, reaching the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is both quick and budget-friendly. The sanctuary is located just around 13 km northeast of Tagbilaran, and travel time is about 30ā45 minutes, depending on your mode of transport.
On my first visit, I hopped on a jeepney bound for Corella from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal. I paid less than ā±30 and asked the driver to drop me near the sanctuary junction. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the entrance. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry or traveling in a group, hiring a tricycle or private car is another great option. Expect to pay ā±300āā±500 round-trip if the driver waits for you.
Pro tip: Travel early in the day to avoid both the midday sun and peak visitor hours. Jeepneys run frequently in the morning but taper off by late afternoon, so plan your return trip accordingly.
Getting to the Tarsier Sanctuary from Panglao IslandĀ
Coming from Panglao Island, which includes Alona Beach and Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the sanctuary is about 27ā30 km away and takes roughly one hour by car. I personally recommend renting a scooter for flexibility. It costs around ā±350āā±500 per day, and the ride is scenic, especially once you cross the bridge into Tagbilaran.
If you’re not comfortable driving, consider booking a group countryside tour which typically includes stops at the Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River, and Chocolate Hills. These tours are convenient but often rush each stop, so go independent if you want more time with the tarsiers.
Time-saving tip: Leave Panglao before 8:00 AM to beat tour group traffic. Early departures mean quieter roads, fewer visitors, and a much better chance to enjoy the sanctuary in peace. Also, check your fuelāthere are limited gas stations between Panglao and Corella, so I always top up in Tagbilaran before heading inland.
From Chocolate Hills in Carmen
Many travelers wonder if they can combine the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary in one tripāand the answer is yes, absolutely. The two attractions are about 42 km apart, and Iāve done the route myself in under an hour by private car via the LobocāBilarāCorella road.
If you’re driving from Carmen, head southwest through Bilar and Loboc before reaching Corella. Along the way, youāll pass the Bilar Man-Made Forest, making this route ideal for a scenic day tour. If you’re joining a countryside package tour, double-check that your operator brings you to the Corella sanctuaryāsome cut corners and stop at the less ethical tarsier exhibits in Loboc.
Itinerary hack: Visit Chocolate Hills early in the morning, then drive down to the sanctuary before lunch. This way, youāll avoid the crowd that often arrives by noon and still have time for a relaxing Loboc River cruise after your visit.
Essential Information Before You Visit
Operating Hours and Best Times to VisitĀ
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry usually allowed until around 3:30 PM. From my personal experience, the best time to visit is early in the morning, right after opening. Not only is the temperature more comfortable, but youāre also more likely to have a quieter, more intimate encounter with the tarsiers before tour groups start arriving mid-morning.
Weekends tend to be busier, especially with domestic tourists, so I recommend going on a weekday if your schedule allows. On my last visit, I went on a Wednesday around 9:00 AM and shared the trail with only a few travelers. It made a huge difference in terms of ambiance and photo opportunities.
Avoid going right before closingāthe sanctuary winds down early to minimize stress on the animals, and you might not get the full guided experience if you’re too late in the day.
Entrance Fees and Whatās Included
The entrance fee in Tarsier Sanctuary is ā±80 per adult, which includes a short educational orientation and a guided forest walk to observe tarsiers in their natural habitat. Children under 7 years old are often free, and students and senior citizens receive a 20% discount with valid ID.
This modest fee directly supports the foundationās conservation efforts, making it not only affordable but also meaningful. During my visit, I appreciated how informative the guide wasāhe pointed out subtle signs of tarsier presence I never wouldāve noticed on my own. Itās a great value for such a memorable wildlife experience.
Reservation and Contact Tips
Walk-ins are welcome, and thereās no need to book in advance for regular visitsāespecially on weekdays. However, if youāre coming with a large group or as part of a school/educational tour, itās best to contact the sanctuary ahead to schedule a slot and ensure they can accommodate you.
You can reach them via their Facebook page or through the Philippine Tarsier Foundationās contact numbers listed online. I once called ahead after heavy rains to confirm they were openāit saved me a trip. If youāre traveling during typhoon season, checking in advance is a smart move.
Doās and Donāts for a Responsible Visit
Essential Sanctuary Etiquette
If thereās one thing I learned while visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, itās that silence isnāt just politeāitās essential. These tiny primates are highly sensitive to noise, sudden movements, and human proximity. Tarsiers have an extremely delicate nervous system, and even minor stress can trigger life-threatening behavior. When I visited, our guide asked us to whisper, avoid sudden gestures, and keep a respectful distance. At first, it felt overly cautiousāuntil I saw how alert the tarsier became just from the sound of a rustling bag.
Photography is allowed, but flash is strictly prohibited. Tarsiers are nocturnal and have very sensitive eyesāflash photography can disorient or even injure them. I turned off my cameraās auto-flash in advance and used a quiet shutter mode to avoid startling the animal. Even pointing a phone too close can make them uneasy, so I stuck to using my zoom lens from a few feet away.
Most importantly, do not touch or attempt to feed the tarsiers. They may look like plush toys, but they are wild animalsānot pets or Instagram props. In fact, touching them is not only dangerous for the animal but also against sanctuary rules. The Corella sanctuary exists to protect tarsiers in the wild, not to entertain us at their expense.
Quick Checklist: Doās and Donāts in Tarsier SanctuaryĀ
Do:
Speak softly or stay silent inside the sanctuary.
Follow your guideās instructions at all times.
Use cameras with the flash disabled.
Keep a respectful distance from the tarsiers.
Stay on designated trails and paths.
Visit early to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
Support conservation by donating or buying from the gift shop.
Donāt:
Use flash when taking photos.
Make loud noises, sudden movements, or call out to the tarsiers.
Touch, feed, or get too close to the animals.
Wander off the trail or separate from your guide.
Bring food or leave trash inside the sanctuary.
Attempt to take selfies with the tarsiers up close.
Respecting these simple guidelines ensures a peaceful experience for youāand more importantly, a safe and stress-free environment for the tarsiers who call this forest home.
What to Expect Inside the Sanctuary
My Firsthand Sanctuary Experience
Walking into the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella felt like entering a different worldāquiet, shaded, and utterly serene. After checking in at the modest visitor center, I was guided down a short trail into the forest. The air was cooler beneath the canopy, and the sounds of the road faded into rustling leaves and birdsong. Our guide, armed with a laser pointer and the kind of calm that only comes from experience, led us through a winding dirt path where tarsiers had been spotted earlier that morning.
Our first tarsier encounter was surreal. The guide silently pointed to a small tree trunk, and it took me a few seconds to realize I was staring right at oneāeyes closed, limbs tucked in, almost camouflaged against the bark. The creature was impossibly tiny, no bigger than my hand. It didnāt move, but it felt like it saw us. We watched quietly from a respectful distance as it dozed, and then moved on to another sleeping tarsier further along the trail.
The entire walk lasted about 20ā30 minutes, and though we only saw a few tarsiers, each encounter felt personal. This wasnāt a zooāit was a brief, magical glimpse into their hidden world.
Sanctuary Facilities
The visitor center at the sanctuary is small but well-equipped. It features restrooms, a mini-museum with educational displays about tarsiers, and a short documentary video area if you want to understand their biology and conservation history. There’s also a souvenir shop where you can pick up tarsier-themed itemsākeychains, shirts, and even local snacks. A snack bar outside offers cold drinks, light refreshments, and shaded tables for a short break before or after your visit. Itās simple and quietāperfect for the setting. While itās not a full-service restaurant, itās enough for a quick recharge before you hit the road again.
Guided Tours and TrailsĀ
Every visit includes a guided tour, and I strongly recommend joining one even if youāre used to exploring solo. These arenāt lengthy lecturesāmore like low-key nature walks with guides who know where the tarsiers are resting that day. Without them, youād probably miss every single one.
The trail itself is short, just a few hundred meters, and loops gently through the forest. Itās well-maintained but naturalāexpect some uneven paths and mud after a rain. There are no paved walkways here, just raw forest.
As for photography, there are a few ideal vantage points where guides will help position you (from a safe distance) to get a decent shot. Bring a camera with good zoom or a steady phoneāno flash, of course. I recommend going slow, letting others pass, and just observing. This isnāt a raceāitās a rare opportunity to see something wild and wonderful, just as it should be.
Activities at and Near the Tarsier Sanctuary
Must-Do Activities Inside the Sanctuary
While the sanctuary visit is relatively short, thereās still plenty to appreciate if you slow down and soak in the experience. First, take your time on the guided forest trail. The guides are masters at spotting tarsiers in their natural habitatāoften nestled in the crook of a tree or hidden behind a palm frond. For the best photos, I recommend standing slightly behind the guide and using a zoom lens or your phoneās portrait mode. Just remember: no flash, and avoid getting too close.
After the trail, spend time inside the visitor center. One exhibit breaks down the tarsierās evolutionary lineage and nocturnal behaviorsāit gave me a deeper appreciation for how rare and ancient these creatures are. There’s also a short video documentary that runs on loop. Itās worth watching before or after your walk to better understand the sanctuaryās role in tarsier conservation. Donāt skip the souvenir shop, where proceeds help fund daily operations.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
The sanctuary is conveniently located between Boholās top inland destinations, so itās easy to make a full day of your trip. Here are a few nearby attractions I personally recommend:
Loboc River Cruise ā Just a 20ā30 minute drive from the sanctuary, the Loboc River Cruise offers a floating buffet aboard a bamboo raft. Itās a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy lunch while gliding through jungle-lined waters. Youāll pass singing locals and maybe even see a few kids diving into the river for fun.
Chocolate Hills in Carmen ā About an hourās drive from Corella, this iconic geological wonder is a must-see. Over 1,000 symmetrical hills spread across the landscape, turning brown during the dry season. Go early for clear views and less haze.
Bilar Man-Made Forest ā En route to Chocolate Hills, this 2-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees offers dramatic photo ops with natural tunnels of towering trunks. Itās a cool, shaded drive and worth a quick stop.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary:
Start atĀ Chocolate HillsĀ in the morning (~8:00 AM).
Drive down to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella by late morning (11:00 AM).
Head toĀ Loboc RiverĀ for lunch and the cruise (12:00ā1:00 PM).
Stop by the Man-Made Forest on the way back or as part of your loop.
This route covers Boholās best highlights in one relaxed, scenic day.
Where to Stay Near the Tarsier Sanctuary
Personal Recommendations for Accommodation
If you’re planning a visit to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, you’re in luckāthere are several excellent nearby accommodations that cater to every type of traveler. Iāve stayed in different parts of Bohol, and depending on your itinerary, each offers a unique experience.
For convenience, Tagbilaran City is the closest urban hub, just a 20ā30 minute drive from the sanctuary. I recommend Belian Hotel or MetroCentre Hotel for mid-range comfort, or The Peacock Garden in Baclayon if you want a more luxurious hillside retreat with sweeping views.
If you’re looking for resort-style relaxation after your tour, Panglao Island is ideal. It’s about an hour away, but worth it if youāre combining beach days with inland sightseeing. I personally enjoyed Amorita Resort for its cliffside views and Bohol Bee Farm for its eco-conscious, rustic charm.
Prefer a nature immersion? Loboc is a hidden gem. Loboc River Resort offers cozy riverside villas and firefly tours at night, while Nuts Huts is a budget-friendly, back-to-basics experience for backpackers who love a jungle vibe. Staying here places you between Corella and Carmenāgreat for day trips.
How to Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Choosing where to stay depends on your travel goals and how you plan to structure your Bohol itinerary. If you want a short commute to the Tarsier Sanctuary, Tagbilaran is your best bet. It also has easier access to public transportation, jeepneys, and budget meals.
If youāre planning to combine the sanctuary visit with Chocolate Hills and Loboc River Cruise, staying in Loboc or Bilar gives you a more centralized base for inland adventures. These areas are quieter and greenerāperfect if you want a peaceful escape.
For those prioritizing beaches, diving, and nightlife, Panglao is the go-to. Just keep in mind that youāll need to leave early in the morning to reach the sanctuary before crowds arrive.
No matter where you stay, make sure to confirm transport options in advanceāespecially if you plan to visit multiple spots in one day. I always ask the hotel if they can arrange a driver or recommend a trusted tour operator.
Where to Eat Near the Sanctuary: Personal Picks
Tagbilaran City: Local Flavor Meets Convenience
If youāre heading back to Tagbilaran after visiting the sanctuary, itās the best place to grab a solid meal. My top pick is Gerardaās, a beloved family-owned restaurant housed in a restored ancestral home. Their crispy pata and kinilaw are rich in local flavor, and the atmosphere feels authentically Boholano. For something casual and creative, The Buzzz CafĆ© by Bohol Bee Farm is a great stop. Their organic ice creamsāespecially the malunggay and honey flavorsāare surprisingly refreshing after a humid forest walk.
Loboc: Riverside Charm with a Cultural Twist
In Loboc, I highly recommend Loboc River Resortās restaurant, even if youāre not staying there. Their grilled seafood and native chicken dishes are flavorful, and the riverside view makes it worth lingering. If youāre around noon, the Loboc River Cruise offers a buffet lunch on a floating raft, complete with live music and cultural dance performances. The food is basic but heartyāand the scenery steals the show.
Panglao: Beachside Dining and Farm-to-Table Options
For those returning to Panglao, donāt miss Bohol Bee Farmās main restaurant. I personally love their herb pasta and honey-glazed chicken, and they also serve healthy, organic spreads and homemade bread. If youāre near Alona Beach, Shaka CafĆ© is a solid option for vegan and smoothie bowl lovers. For seafood cravings, Prawn Farm at Island City Mall also serves generous portions and great value.
Local Dishes to Try:
Calamay: sticky coconut rice delicacy in coconut shells
Ubud Kinilaw: heart of palm salad with vinegar and spice
Lechon sa Boholano: roasted pork with a citrusy, garlicky twist
Wherever you go, youāll find restaurants near the Tarsier Sanctuary that celebrate both comfort and culture. Donāt rushāsit down, try something local, and let your taste buds explore Bohol too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As someone whoās visited the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, I often hear the same questions from fellow travelers planning their own visit. Here are the most common onesāanswered based on personal experience and what the guides shared during my tour.
Can you touch or hold the tarsiers?
No, and for good reason. Tarsiers are extremely sensitive primates with fragile bones and a delicate nervous system. Touching or holding them, even gently, can cause severe stressāand in some cases, even death. The sanctuary prohibits any physical contact, and this is strictly enforced. When I visited, a guide gently reminded someone who got too close that ātheyāre not toysātheyāre wild animals.ā So bring your camera, not your hands.
Will I definitely see a tarsier during my visit?
Yes, chances are very high. Although the tarsiers live freely within the forest, the guides scout their locations each morning before opening to ensure guests can spot them. On my tour, we saw four tarsiers in under 30 minutes. They were perfectly still, clinging to low branches, and camouflagedābut unmistakably adorable once you locked eyes with them. Just remember: theyāre wild, not staged, so every visit is a little different.
Are there restrooms and food facilities onsite?
Yes. The sanctuary has clean restrooms, a visitor center, a small snack bar, and a souvenir shop. While itās not a full-service restaurant, you can grab a cold drink or light snack before heading out. I grabbed a coconut ice cream after the tour and sat in the shaded area to cool offāit was the perfect post-hike treat.
How long does a visit usually last?
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes. The guided forest walk is about 20ā30 minutes, depending on how many tarsiers are visible. Add some time to browse the exhibits or chat with the guides. Itās a short stop, but trust meāitās one of the most memorable in Bohol.
Insider Travel Tips and Hacks
Capture the Moment Without Flash
Photographing tarsiers can be a bit trickyātheyāre tiny, stay in shaded spots, and flash is strictly prohibited. To get a clear shot, I recommend using a camera or phone with a good zoom lens and adjusting your settings for low light. I had the best results using portrait mode and manually tapping to focus. A small tripod or stabilizer can help if your hands are shaky. If youāre shooting on a phone, increase brightness after taking the shot rather than during. Most importantly, stay back and be patientādonāt push in too close or you risk stressing the animal.
Beat the Bugs and the Humidity
This is a forest environment, so come prepared. I always wear light, breathable clothing and closed shoesāespecially during rainy months. It gets humid quickly, so pack a small towel or a sweat-absorbing headband. For mosquitoes, apply unscented insect repellent before you enter the trail. If you’re sensitive, long sleeves and light pants are better than shorts. I also bring a mini fan or cooling wipe to refresh before moving to the next attraction.
Save Smart: Snacks and Souvenirs
The sanctuaryās gift shop has nice merchandise, but if youāre on a tight budget, I found cheaper tarsier-themed souvenirs at the Tagbilaran marketākeychains and ref magnets go for ā±20āā±40 each. For snacks, you can skip the pricier cafĆ© and walk or ride down to nearby sari-sari stores. I bought cold bottled water and banana chips for under ā±50āperfect for refueling without overspending. Simple hacks like these let you enjoy more without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Why Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary is Unforgettable
When I think back to my time in Bohol, itās not the Chocolate Hills or even the beaches of Panglao that come to mind firstāitās that quiet, almost spiritual moment in the forest at the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Seeing a real-life Philippine tarsier clinging to a tree, with its enormous eyes gently closed, was unlike anything else I experienced during my trip. It was humbling to be so close to a creature so rare, so ancient, and so incredibly vulnerable.
What made it even more meaningful was knowing I was supporting ethical and responsible wildlife tourism. This wasnāt a zoo or roadside attraction. It was a protected forest space designed with the animalsā wellbeing in mind. The sanctuary staff didnāt stage anything for our benefitāinstead, they guided us with care, respect, and purpose.
If youāre visiting Bohol, I canāt recommend this stop enough. Itās a short visit, but one that leaves a lasting impression. And more importantly, your entrance fee supports real conservation work that helps protect not just tarsiers, but the fragile ecosystem they call home.
Take your time, follow the rules, and appreciate the sanctuary for what it is: a rare chance to witness one of the worldās smallest primates, in peace, on their terms.
