Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol
- Bec Luck-Baker
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Bohol is famous for its adorable tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates with huge, round eyes and an ability to leap incredible distances. Seeing these fascinating creatures is high on the list for many visitors, but not all tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol are ethical. If you truly care about these endangered animals, the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is the only place you should visit.
Why Corella’s Tarsier Sanctuary is the Ethical Choice:
The Philippine Tarsier Foundation’s sanctuary in Corella is the only genuine conservation site in Bohol, where tarsiers are protected in their natural habitat. Unlike other places, this sanctuary follows strict guidelines to ensure the tarsiers are not disturbed, making it the most responsible place to see them up close.
Unfortunately, many tours in Bohol take visitors to the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, which allows people to hold, touch, and get dangerously close to tarsiers. This is not ethical, as tarsiers are highly sensitive animals, and stress can cause them to stop eating or even die. If you're doing the popular Bohol Countryside Tour, be sure to ask your guide to take you to Corella instead—it’s worth the extra effort.
What to Expect at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary:
Entrance Fee: 150 PHP per adult (kids enter free)
Location: About 20 minutes from Tagbilaran City
Experience: A short guided walk through a quiet, forested area where tarsiers live freely
Rules: No touching, no flash photography, and minimal noise to avoid stressing the tarsiers
The sanctuary is a peaceful place and is home to three tarsiers where you can see them living naturally, clinging to branches and watching visitors with their big, curious eyes. Knowledgeable guides will take you on a short trek to spot them while sharing interesting facts about these tiny primates.
Cool Facts About Tarsiers:
They have the biggest eyes (proportionally) of any mammal—each eye is bigger than their brain.
Tarsiers can leap up to five meters (16 feet) in one jump, over 40 times their body length.
They are extremely shy and stress-sensitive, which is why they need a quiet, natural environment.
They are nocturnal, most active at night when they hunt insects, lizards, and even small birds.
Tarsiers are primates, but they belong to a unique and ancient branch of the primate family tree. They are classified under the suborder Haplorhini, which includes monkeys
and apes, but they are distinct from both.
How to Visit the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary:
By tour – If you're booking the Bohol Countryside Tour, ask them to take you to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella instead of the unethical one. Some drivers may try to take you to the touristy spot first, so be firm about your choice.
By scooter – If you prefer to explore independently, rent a scooter in Tagbilaran or Panglao and drive to Corella. It’s an easy ride and well worth it.
By taxi or tricycle – A private ride from Tagbilaran is another good option, and you can pair your visit with a trip to Loboc River or the Chocolate Hills.
Final Thoughts:
If you want to see tarsiers in Bohol, please choose the ethical route and visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Not only will you get to see these incredible creatures in a way that respects their well-being, but you’ll also be supporting conservation efforts that help protect them for future generations.
When planning your Bohol itinerary, make sure to include the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary—you won’t regret it.
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