Officially known as the Tarsier Research and Development Center, this facility is part of a larger wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserve one of the most unique creatures in the Philippines.
The tarsier is the smallest primate in the world. It is the size of an average human hand, measuring 4 or 5 inches and weighs a quarter of a pound. Its most striking feature is its mesmerizing, saucer-like eyes. This is one of the few creatures that can truly say its eyes are larger than its belly.
Located in Corella, Bohol, the Tarsier Visitors Center sits at the heart of an extensive tract of protected forest. The ‘Tarsier Trail’ from the visitors center cuts into the forest and give tourists a chance to see tarsiers in their natural habitat.
Tarsiers are nocturnal, so walkers aren’t guaranteed to see the animals during daytime nature walks. The best way to watch them is to visit the enclosure next to the visitor’s center. A hundred tarsiers are kept here and are easily photographed. When startled, they disappear into the forest in 10-foot leaps.
The visitor’s center also operates a gift shop, a museum and a small museum with a few exhibits. The actual research center is still expanding.
Getting There & Away
The Tarsier Visitors Center can be reached from Tagbilaran, which is home to the nearest airport and receives daily flights from Manila (1 hour, 30 minutes) and ferries from Cebu (1 hour, 30 minutes). From Tagbilaran, visitors can reach the visitors center by jeepney in 40 minutes. Both Manila and Cebu have large international airports.