The short answer
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you go to the foundation's sanctuary rather than a roadside display. Keep the visit short, silent and flash-free, expect a short walk on paths, and take a guide's lead on where the animals are resting.
History and context
The story behind Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella
The Philippine Tarsier Foundation was founded in Corella in 1996. The tarsier was declared a specially protected faunal species by Proclamation 1030 in 1997, and the 2001 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act also covers its habitat.
Useful facts
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella facts at a glance
- Location
- Corella, Bohol, near the Loboc road
- Experience type
- Guided wildlife viewing in a forest enclosure
- Known for
- Philippine tarsier, among the world's smallest primates
- Run by
- Philippine Tarsier Foundation, founded 1996
- Visitor rules
- No flash, no touching, low voices
- Conservation
- Near Threatened (IUCN 2008)
Why it matters
Why Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella is worth your time
The Philippine tarsier is endemic to the Philippines and one of the smallest primates in the world, with adults standing roughly 85 to 160 mm tall. It is listed as Near Threatened, mainly because of habitat loss and poaching for the pet trade, and Bohol is one of its strongholds.
For travellers, the sanctuary is useful because it shows the animals under conditions designed to reduce stress. It is also a good lesson for children in the difference between watching wildlife and handling it. The protection of the species is backed by a 1997 proclamation and a 2001 wildlife law.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Spotting a sleeping tarsier
Guides help you find small round-eyed animals clinging to branches in daytime sleep.
- 02
Calm conduct
The visit works because everyone stays quiet; flash and touching are discouraged because tarsiers are easily stressed.
- 03
Conservation context
The sanctuary explains the tarsier's threats, including habitat loss and the pet trade.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Tarsiers are nocturnal and sleep during the day, so you are watching small, round-eyed animals clinging to branches in the shade. A guide at the sanctuary points them out, and the walk usually takes less than an hour. Keep your voice low, your hands off the branches and your phone flash switched off.
Treat this as a short stop on the way to Loboc or the Chocolate Hills, not a main event. The sanctuary is in Corella on the way inland, so it fits naturally into a morning on the inland loop. Bring insect repellent, and be ready for the guide to ask you to move on if the animals look disturbed.
Be cautious of roadside places that offer to let you hold or photograph tarsiers. Wikipedia notes that tarsiers are easily stressed by flash, touching and confinement, and captive animals tend to live shorter lives, so choose the foundation's managed habitat and keep your distance.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Choose the foundation's sanctuary over roadside displays
- Switch off camera flash and keep voices low
- Wear insect repellent and a hat
- Confirm current opening hours before you go
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Corella, a short drive north-east of Tagbilaran on the way to Loboc
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best time
- Daytime, when tarsiers are resting and easier to see; avoid weekends if you want fewer crowds
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The paths are short and mostly level, with some uneven ground, and the forest shade makes it cooler than the coast. The main discomfort for older visitors is the expectation to stay quiet and still, and benches are limited, so plan for a short stand.
- Tickets and access
- Check current opening hours, entry fee and rules with the Philippine Tarsier Foundation before you go. No flash photography, no touching and no loud talking are standard expectations because the animals are easily stressed.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The paths are short and mostly level, with some uneven ground, and the forest shade makes it cooler than the coast. The main discomfort for older visitors is the expectation to stay quiet and still, and benches are limited, so plan for a short stand.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can we hold a tarsier?
No. Touching and handling stress these animals, and responsible sanctuaries do not allow it. Avoid roadside places that offer holding or photo opportunities.
Why are the tarsiers asleep?
Tarsiers are nocturnal. In the daytime they sleep in dark hollows or on branches, so they are usually seen resting.
How long should we plan?
Around an hour is enough for the walk and viewing, plus the travel time from Tagbilaran, which is short compared with the trip to the Chocolate Hills.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
