An up-close encounter with a Tarsier is probably one of the top must-dos for visitors to Bohol. After all, the Philippine Tarsier is considered one of the smallest primates in the world and is very rare.
So when we planned our trip, we made sure to include seeing the Tarsier in our to-do list. We may have made thorough work on our flights, accommodations, and itinerary but we admit we missed to research on the right sanctuary we should be visiting as we left it to our tour driver to make the decision.
After making a mandatory stop at the Chocolate Hills, we were dropped off at the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc. We bought the tickets and walked through the entrance while under the impression that it is a responsible and non-exploitive animal sanctuary.
The Tarsier Conservation Area is small. You'll realize this as you'll only be having a short round walk to observe the animals. Considering that an individual requires at least 1 hectare of territory to thrive, the Tarsiers are located close to each other, as if placed there intentionally for visitor benefit. The animals are also nestled in makeshift sheds of leaves and twigs, obviously built by humans. The walkway will then lead to an exit through a huge souvenir shop selling all sorts of items like food, shirts, key chains, and stuffed toys. Clearly, just a tourist trap and not a conservation area as the name implies.
The lesson here is that if ever you want a rewarding experience with any animal, the key is to do thorough research. Check if the animals are treated right, where the tourist money go, and if a program is in place for a sustainable operation.
It is said that the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, just 20 minutes away from this place, is a more ethical option. It is duly recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism. It is located in the town of Corella where the biggest concentration of Philippine Tarsiers in the wild can be found. Here you may be able to see Tarsiers in an environment that really does have their welfare in mind.
Have you visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to read more about our trip to Bohol? Click on the below links.
Bohol: A Travel Guide for First Timers
South Palms Resort: Living Up to Expectations?
Veraneante Resort: A Good Off-the-Grid Hideaway in Panglao
Chocolate Hills: A Stunning Natural Wonder
Bohol Bee Farm: What's The Buzz About?
Baclayon Church: Beauty in Faith
Bohol: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans
So when we planned our trip, we made sure to include seeing the Tarsier in our to-do list. We may have made thorough work on our flights, accommodations, and itinerary but we admit we missed to research on the right sanctuary we should be visiting as we left it to our tour driver to make the decision.
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| The Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area looks promising from the outside |
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| From the inside, it looks like a huge animal cage |
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| Tarsiers nestled in makeshift sheds |
It is said that the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, just 20 minutes away from this place, is a more ethical option. It is duly recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism. It is located in the town of Corella where the biggest concentration of Philippine Tarsiers in the wild can be found. Here you may be able to see Tarsiers in an environment that really does have their welfare in mind.
Have you visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post? Let us know in the comments below.
Want to read more about our trip to Bohol? Click on the below links.
Bohol: A Travel Guide for First Timers
South Palms Resort: Living Up to Expectations?
Veraneante Resort: A Good Off-the-Grid Hideaway in Panglao
Chocolate Hills: A Stunning Natural Wonder
Bohol Bee Farm: What's The Buzz About?
Baclayon Church: Beauty in Faith
Bohol: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans
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