Meet the Philippine Tarsier: Bohol’s Most Famous Tiny Primate - AREE Travel and Tours

 

Meet the Philippine Tarsier: Bohol’s Most Famous Tiny Primate

Discover where to responsibly view these enchanting, big-eyed creatures in their natural habitat.

Fast Facts Introduction:
👉 Scientific Name: Carlito syrichta.
👉 Tiny Size: Fits easily in a human palm.
👉 Giant Eyes: Larger than its entire brain.
👉 Incredible Agility: Leaps up to 5 meters between trees.
👉 High Sensitivity: Prone to extreme stress from noise.

Best Places to See Tarsiers in Bohol:

1. Sanctuary Name: Tarsier Research & Development Center
Location: Corella, Bohol
Focus / Best For: Eco-tourism, education, and natural forest habitats

2. Sanctuary Name: Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Location: Bilar, Bohol
Focus / Best For: Easily accessible stop during popular countryside highway tours

Visitor Rules for Responsible Travel:
1. No Flash Photography: Bright light permanently damages their sensitive nocturnal eyes.
2. Maintain Absolute Silence: Loud noises cause severe anxiety and fatal stress.
3. Do Not Touch: Tarsiers are highly fragile and wild animals.
4. No Selfie Sticks: Keeping your distance prevents terrifying the creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you see tarsiers anywhere else in the Philippines?

Yes, while Bohol is the most famous destination, the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) is also native to several other islands in the southern Philippines.

Wild populations live in the dense rainforests of:

✅ Samar
✅ Leyte
✅ Dinagat Island
✅ Mindanao (specifically in parts of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Davao)

Why visit Bohol instead? Bohol features the most established, accredited eco-tourism sanctuaries. These protected areas ensure you can see tarsiers safely without disturbing their fragile natural habitats.

2. Are tarsiers monkeys?

No, tarsiers are not monkeys. While they are both primates, tarsiers belong to their own unique evolutionary family tree.

Scientists classify them under the suborder Haplorhini and the distinct infraorder Tarsiiformes. They are intermediate evolutionary creatures, sharing features with primitive prosimians (like lemurs) and anthropoids (monkeys and apes). They have remained largely unchanged for millions of years!

3. When is the best time of day to visit a tarsier sanctuary?

The ideal time to visit a sanctuary is during the early morning hours (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Visiting early gives you three major advantages:

✅ Better Weather: You avoid the intense midday tropical heat and sudden afternoon rain showers.

✅ Clearer Visibility: Bright, morning sunlight filtering through the canopy makes it much easier to spot the tiny creatures hidden in the leaves.

✅ Fewer Crowds: You can enjoy a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. This is crucial because tarsiers require absolute silence to prevent fatal stress levels.