The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world, with enormous eyes and a habit of staying very still for long periods. Bohol is one of the few places where visitors can see them in a managed sanctuary, and many people add it to a day in the province. It is a short visit, and it asks for a little patience and a quiet voice.
This guide covers how to reach the sanctuary, what the entrance costs and when it is open, the rules that protect the animals, and what the visit is like. The entrance fee has been quoted at different amounts and the tarsier sites around Bohol are easy to mix up, so confirm the details at the gate before you set out.
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes inside. The visit is short by design, and the animals are not meant to be watched for hours.
Getting There from Tagbilaran
Most visitors reach the sanctuary from Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. A jeepney from the Dao terminal in Tagbilaran heads toward Corella, and renting a scooter is another option if you are comfortable riding one. A taxi or a hired van is the simplest choice if you are visiting with a group, and your driver can wait while you visit.
Ask the driver for the travel time before you agree on a price. The drive time depends on traffic, so it is safer to confirm it with your driver than to plan around a single number. If you are coming from Panglao, allow extra time, since the drive is longer.
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee has been quoted at ₱60 and at ₱80, and the higher figure is said to include a guided walk inside the enclosure. Fees change, so check the current amount at the gate and ask what it includes.
The sanctuary is listed as open daily from 9:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. Arrive early in the day rather than close to closing time, since the last visitors may be rushed.
Which Sanctuary Is Which
The location is easy to get wrong. A tarsier conservation area is described in Loboc, roughly 25 kilometres from Tagbilaran, while the sanctuary this guide covers is in Corella, as in our Bohol day trip article. Before you go, confirm the name and address with your driver, and ask whether the place you are heading to is the one you meant.
Rules for Visitors
The rules exist to protect the animals, and they are not difficult to follow. Keep your voice low, since tarsiers are sensitive to noise. Turn off your camera flash, which can harm their eyes. Stay on the designated paths and follow the guides, and do not wander off to get a closer look.
Do not touch the tarsiers, and do not try to feed them. Visitors are not allowed to touch them at all, and the animals should be watched from where the guide indicates. If you want photographs, use natural light where possible and keep your camera steady rather than chasing a better angle.
What the Visit Is Like
Guides lead small groups along a trail through the trees, and they point out the tarsiers as they find them. The animals are nocturnal, so they spend the day resting and may stay still for a long time. Expect to see them in short bursts rather than a continuous show.
The trail can be muddy after rain, and umbrellas are not allowed. Bring a light raincoat, wear closed shoes with good grip and carry water. The visit is short, but the walk and the waiting in the heat can be tiring if you are not used to it.
Why the Sanctuary Matters
Habitat loss and hunting are the main threats usually cited for the tarsier. Sanctuaries like this one protect a habitat and raise awareness among visitors, but they do not replace the wider work of keeping forests intact.
Who This Visit Suits
The sanctuary suits families with older children, people who enjoy wildlife and visitors who want a short stop in a longer Bohol day. It is less suitable for people who expect a long, active attraction, or for young children who will struggle to stay quiet for half an hour.
If you are planning the wider day, our Bohol day trip from Cebu guide covers the ferry and the rest of the route. If you have more time in the region, the seven Cebu places beyond the crowds article lists quieter stops, and the three-day Cebu itinerary shows how a day in Bohol can fit into a short stay.