The Philippine Tarsier
One of the world's smallest primates, with eyes bigger than its brain, sleeping in the forests of Bohol.
Quick answer
- What it is: a tiny nocturnal primate found in parts of the southern Philippines, best known from Bohol.
- Where to see one: the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella, run by the non-profit Philippine Tarsier Foundation.
- The rules: no touching, no flash, keep your voice low and don't linger.
- Getting there: about 20 to 30 minutes by road from Tagbilaran City.
- Pair it with: the Chocolate Hills and a Loboc River lunch on a countryside tour.
Why it is a wonder
The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates on Earth, small enough to sit on a fingertip-thin branch and still look comfortable. Its enormous round eyes are each roughly as big as its brain, and because they can’t move in their sockets, it swivels its head to look at you instead.
Tarsiers are nocturnal and shy. In the day they cling to branches in the forest and sleep, and they are easily stressed by noise, light and handling.
The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella was set up by the non-profit Philippine Tarsier Foundation, established in 1996, to protect them. Guides lead small groups along forest paths to where tarsiers are resting, and you watch quietly from a respectful distance.
Beat the crowds
- Go early. Countryside tours arrive in waves from mid-morning.
- Keep the visit short. A few minutes per tarsier is enough, and it is better for them.
Getting there
Corella is about 20 to 30 minutes by road from Tagbilaran City, and under an hour from the beaches of Panglao. Most Bohol countryside tours stop here; if you book one, ask to visit the Corella sanctuary, not a roadside tarsier stop. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
A perfect day
- Visit the Corella sanctuary first thing.
- Have lunch on the Loboc River.
- See the Chocolate Hills in the afternoon. See our Chocolate Hills guide.
- Head back to Panglao for a sunset swim.
Through the seasons
The sanctuary is open all year. The dry months, about February to May, are best for the rest of a Bohol countryside day; heavy rain can make forest paths slippery.
Respect the place
The rules are simple: no touching, no flash, no loud voices, no lingering. Don’t try to wake a sleeping tarsier for a photo, and don’t support places that let visitors handle them.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see tarsiers in Bohol?
The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella, run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. Tarsiers there live in a forest setting and visitors follow strict rules.
Why avoid other tarsier stops?
Some roadside attractions keep tarsiers in small enclosures and let people get too close. Tarsiers are very sensitive to stress, so choose the Corella sanctuary.
Can I take photos?
Yes, but no flash. Bright light and noise distress tarsiers, which are active at night and sleep in the day.
How big is a tarsier?
Small enough to sit in the palm of your hand. Its huge eyes are fixed in its skull, so it turns its head to look around.
When is the sanctuary open?
It opens in the daytime, generally from morning to mid-afternoon. Check current hours before you go.
Panglao and Balicasag
Bohol's beach island, with a short boat ride to one of the best-known marine sanctuaries in the Visayas.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
