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Bohol is one of the Philippines\u2019 most beloved travel destinations, and beyond its famous Chocolate Hills and white-sand beaches, it is also home to one of the smallest primates in the world\u2014the Philippine tarsier. To protect these fragile creatures, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol<\/strong> was established. For travelers who want a closer look at these big-eyed nocturnal animals in an ethical and eco-friendly way, this sanctuary is the best place to visit.<\/p>\n This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the sanctuary: from how to get there, what to expect, travel tips, and the importance of conservation.<\/p>\n The tarsier is one of the world\u2019s smallest primates, measuring only about 4\u20136 inches tall with large, expressive eyes that are adapted for night vision. These animals are considered a symbol of Bohol and are deeply tied to the island\u2019s identity. Sadly, their population has declined drastically due to deforestation, hunting, and the pet trade.<\/p>\n The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella<\/strong> was created by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation to protect these animals in a natural environment. Unlike commercial roadside attractions that sometimes keep tarsiers in cages under stress, this sanctuary provides a safe forest habitat where tarsiers live more naturally. Visitors can observe them with minimal disturbance, making this the most ethical choice.<\/p>\n The sanctuary is located in Corella<\/strong>, a small town about 14 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran City, Bohol\u2019s capital. It sits in a forest reserve that covers about 134 hectares, though only a portion is open to visitors.<\/p>\n Distance from Tagbilaran City<\/strong>: Around 20\u201330 minutes by car or tricycle.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Distance from Panglao Island (Alona Beach)<\/strong>: About 45 minutes to 1 hour by van or car.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Accessibility<\/strong>: The site is well-marked and accessible via paved roads.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n When you enter the sanctuary, you will first pass through the visitor center where you can find educational displays, a souvenir shop, and guides who explain the rules. From there, you walk along shaded trails into the conservation forest where a few tarsiers are visible each day.<\/p>\n Tarsier Viewing Area<\/strong> \u2013 Local guides point out where the tarsiers are resting on tree branches. They are often curled up with their tiny hands clinging to twigs. Since they are nocturnal, most of them are sleeping during the day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Quiet Forest Walk<\/strong> \u2013 The short walk is peaceful, shaded, and filled with greenery.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Educational Displays<\/strong> \u2013 Learn about the biology of tarsiers, their conservation status, and efforts to protect them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Souvenir Shop and Caf\u00e9<\/strong> \u2013 Small stalls selling eco-friendly items and local crafts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Because tarsiers are very sensitive animals, strict rules are in place:<\/p>\n No Flash Photography<\/strong> \u2013 Bright lights can harm their large eyes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Keep Noise Low<\/strong> \u2013 Loud noises stress them easily.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Do Not Touch or Disturb<\/strong> \u2013 Tarsiers are fragile and can become stressed to the point of harming themselves.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stay on the Paths<\/strong> \u2013 Guides ensure you do not disturb the forest environment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Following these rules ensures that your visit does not negatively impact the animals.<\/p>\n Entrance Fee<\/strong>: Around PHP 120 per person (adults), discounted rates for students and children.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Operating Hours<\/strong>: 9:00 AM \u2013 4:00 PM daily.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Best Time to Visit<\/strong>: Morning or early afternoon, when there are fewer tourists.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n By Tricycle<\/strong>: You can negotiate a fare directly with a tricycle driver, though it may take longer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n By Jeepney<\/strong>: Some jeepneys travel the Corella route, though schedules may be irregular.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n By Private Car or Van<\/strong>: The fastest and most comfortable option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Rent a scooter, hire a car, or join a Bohol countryside tour<\/strong>. Many tour packages combine the tarsier sanctuary with other popular stops like Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, and Baclayon Church.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Most travelers include the sanctuary as part of a Bohol Countryside Tour<\/strong>. Popular stops nearby include:<\/p>\n Chocolate Hills<\/strong> \u2013 The iconic natural landscape of Bohol.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Loboc River Cruise<\/strong> \u2013 A relaxing boat ride with lunch and cultural shows.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Man-Made Forest in Bilar<\/strong> \u2013 A scenic road lined with mahogany trees.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Baclayon Church<\/strong> \u2013 One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n This makes the sanctuary a convenient and essential stop in a day trip around Bohol.<\/p>\n The tarsier is classified as \u201cNear Threatened\u201d by the IUCN Red List. Without proper conservation, their numbers could decline further. The sanctuary provides:<\/p>\n Habitat Protection<\/strong> \u2013 Preserving forest land for tarsiers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Research Opportunities<\/strong> \u2013 Scientists study tarsier behavior and ecology.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Awareness Campaigns<\/strong> \u2013 Educating both locals and visitors about wildlife conservation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n By visiting the sanctuary, tourists support these conservation efforts directly.<\/p>\n Wear Comfortable Shoes<\/strong> \u2013 The sanctuary involves light walking.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bring Water<\/strong> \u2013 It can be hot and humid.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Respect Wildlife<\/strong> \u2013 Remember this is not a zoo; animals are not trained to pose.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Combine with Tours<\/strong> \u2013 Saves time and transportation costs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Visit Early<\/strong> \u2013 To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n A trip to Bohol<\/strong> would not be complete without meeting the Philippine tarsier, but it\u2019s important to do so responsibly. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella<\/strong> offers a rare chance to see these shy creatures up close while ensuring their protection and well-being. Unlike commercialized exhibits, the sanctuary balances eco-tourism with conservation.<\/p>\n If you want to support wildlife protection and have an unforgettable encounter with one of the world\u2019s most unique primates, make sure to include the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol<\/strong> on your itinerary.<\/p>\n The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol is a protected forest managed for the conservation of the Philippine tarsier\u2014one of the world\u2019s smallest primates. Rather than a zoo-style attraction, it safeguards natural habitat and limits human impact. Visitors walk a short forest trail with a trained guide who points out roosting tarsiers and explains their behavior, biology, and conservation challenges. The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare and education, making it the most responsible place in Bohol to see tarsiers up close while supporting long-term protection of the species.<\/p>\n The sanctuary sits in the town of Corella, northeast of Tagbilaran City on Bohol Island. Travel time is typically 20\u201330 minutes by car from Tagbilaran and about 45\u201360 minutes from Panglao (Alona Beach), depending on traffic and weather. Roads are paved and signposted, and most drivers and tour operators are familiar with the location. If you\u2019re self-driving, use Corella as your destination and follow local signs to the visitor center.<\/p>\n Hours are generally mid-morning to late afternoon, with last entry well before closing to protect the animals\u2019 rest. Entrance fees are modest and help fund conservation, staff training, habitat management, and education. Rates can change without notice, and discounts for children or students may be available. If you\u2019re planning a tight schedule, verify the day\u2019s hours and fees shortly before you go to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n Most visitors enter on a walk-in basis. During peak seasons and holidays, arriving early in the day is wise to avoid queues and heat. Organized countryside tours frequently include the sanctuary; in that case, your operator handles entry timing. Large groups or educational visits should contact the center ahead of time to coordinate guides and minimize crowding in the viewing area.<\/p>\n Visits begin at the small visitor center with basic exhibits and posted guidelines. A guide will then lead you along a shaded path into a designated part of the forest. Look for tarsiers curled around slender branches, often motionless with eyes closed\u2014remember, they are nocturnal and rest by day. Guides keep viewing distances safe and quiet; you\u2019ll have time to observe and take photos (without flash) before moving along so the animals are not disturbed.<\/p>\n Wildlife viewings are never guaranteed, but the sanctuary team monitors individuals in accessible areas and typically knows approximate roosting spots each day. Because tarsiers are tiny and well camouflaged, you may spot only a handful during a visit. Patience, silence, and following your guide\u2019s instructions greatly increase your chances of unhurried, respectful encounters.<\/p>\n Ethical wildlife viewing emphasizes animal welfare over entertainment. In Corella, tarsiers live in protected forest rather than cages, and visitor numbers, distance, and noise are controlled to reduce stress. There is no handling, posing, or flash photography. Your entrance fee supports habitat protection, research, and community education instead of encouraging exploitative practices that can harm tarsiers or distort their behavior.<\/p>\n These rules protect sensitive animals from stress and help keep the forest healthy.<\/p>\n Yes, but only under strict guidelines. Switch off flash, avoid artificial lighting, and silence beeps or shutter sounds if possible. Use a modest zoom rather than stepping closer. Continuous filming should be brief and quiet. The goal is to capture memories without altering tarsier behavior or disturbing their daytime rest.<\/p>\n No. Tarsiers are delicate, easily stressed, and not domesticated. Handling can elevate stress hormones, disrupt rest, and in extreme cases lead to self-harm behaviors. Ethical viewing means appreciating them at a respectful distance and leaving no trace of your visit beyond your new knowledge and photos taken responsibly.<\/p>\n Plan 30\u201360 minutes for the visitor center and guided forest section, plus travel time. Mornings are often cooler, less crowded, and more comfortable for quiet observation. Afternoons can work as well, but give yourself buffer time before closing. Avoid rushing: calmer groups make better wildlife watchers.<\/p>\n The walk is short and shaded, but it is still an outdoor forest path with uneven ground in places. Sturdy footwear helps. Families with young children should coach kids in whispering and stillness before entering the viewing area. If someone in your group has mobility concerns, ask staff at the visitor center about current trail conditions and the gentlest route before starting.<\/p>\n Travel light: bulky bags can brush vegetation or cause unnecessary noise.<\/p>\n From Tagbilaran or Panglao, you can hire a tricycle (for short hops), book a private car\/van, rent a scooter (experienced riders only), or join a countryside tour that includes the sanctuary. Public jeepneys may run via Corella, but schedules vary and can be time-consuming. For comfort and reliability, most visitors choose a car, van, or organized tour.<\/p>\n The sanctuary fits naturally into Bohol\u2019s classic countryside route. Popular pairings include the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, the Bilar man-made forest, and historic churches around Tagbilaran and Baclayon. If you\u2019re staying on Panglao, you can combine morning wildlife viewing with an afternoon beach break or a gentle coastal food crawl.<\/p>\n Showers are common in the tropics and the forest canopy provides partial cover. Paths can get damp or slippery; walk with care and wear closed shoes. Wildlife viewing is still possible in light rain, but strong downpours may temporarily pause movement along the trail. Bring a compact rain jacket and keep electronics protected in a small dry bag or zip pouch.<\/p>\n No. Drones are noisy, intrusive, and can severely stress wildlife. The sanctuary prohibits them to protect the animals and preserve a calm, natural experience for all visitors. Save aerial footage for non-sensitive locations far from wildlife habitats and people.<\/p>\n Look and listen for forest birds, insects, and small reptiles. You may notice butterflies, lizards basking on leaves, or birds calling from the canopy. Plant life ranges from young saplings to mature trees that provide essential roosts and hunting perches. Guides are great at spotting well-camouflaged residents\u2014another reason to move slowly and keep voices low.<\/p>\n Philippine tarsiers face ongoing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and past capture for the pet trade. Sanctuaries contribute by protecting forest, conducting research, training staff and guides, and educating communities and visitors. Entrance fees fund these operations. Choosing ethical venues\u2014and declining experiences that allow handling or flash photography\u2014sends a clear market signal that conservation-first tourism matters.<\/p>\n The sanctuary\u2019s needs change over time. Small purchases at the gift area, responsible word-of-mouth, and donations are simple ways to help. If you\u2019re interested in volunteering, inquire directly at the visitor center about current programs, skill requirements, and time commitments; conservation organizations prioritize placements that genuinely build capacity and avoid disrupting daily animal care.<\/p>\n Remember: the best photos come from patience and respect, not proximity.<\/p>\n Arrive informed, follow all rules, and ask your guide thoughtful questions. Support conservation by purchasing small items from the official shop or making a donation. Share what you learned\u2014especially the reasons we should never handle or spotlight nocturnal wildlife. Ethical choices ripple outward: every respectful visit helps protect Bohol\u2019s forests and the extraordinary primates that depend on them.<\/p>\n Bohol Travel Guide 2025: Best Areas to Stay, Top Things to Do, Tips<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nWhy Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary?<\/h2>\n
\nLocation: Corella, Bohol<\/h2>\n
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\nWhat to Expect at the Sanctuary<\/h2>\n
Highlights:<\/h3>\n
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\nRules for Visitors<\/h2>\n
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\nEntrance Fees and Operating Hours<\/h2>\n
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\nHow to Get There<\/h2>\n
From Tagbilaran City:<\/h3>\n
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From Panglao Island (Alona Beach):<\/h3>\n
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\nCombining Your Visit with Other Attractions<\/h2>\n
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\nConservation Importance<\/h2>\n
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\nTravel Tips<\/h2>\n
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\nFinal Thoughts<\/h2>\n
\nFAQ:Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol (Corella)<\/h2>\n
What is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol (Corella)?<\/h2>\n
Where exactly is it, and how long does it take to get there?<\/h2>\n
What are the opening hours and entrance fees?<\/h2>\n
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just walk in?<\/h2>\n
What can I expect during the visit?<\/h2>\n
Are sightings guaranteed?<\/h2>\n
Why is the Corella sanctuary considered the ethical choice?<\/h2>\n
What rules should I follow inside the sanctuary?<\/h2>\n
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Can I take photos or videos?<\/h2>\n
Can I hold or touch a tarsier?<\/h2>\n
How long should I allocate for the visit, and when is the best time to go?<\/h2>\n
Is the sanctuary suitable for children, seniors, and people with limited mobility?<\/h2>\n
What should I wear and bring?<\/h2>\n
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How do I get there without a car?<\/h2>\n
What other attractions pair well with the sanctuary?<\/h2>\n
What if it rains?<\/h2>\n
Are drones allowed?<\/h2>\n
What animals and plants might I see besides tarsiers?<\/h2>\n
Are tarsiers endangered, and how does my visit help?<\/h2>\n
Can I volunteer or donate?<\/h2>\n
What are the top photography tips for ethical, great shots?<\/h2>\n
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How can I make my visit more meaningful?<\/h2>\n