Finding Tarsiers in Bohol, Philippines

Bohol’s adorable secret: the Philippine tarsier, the smallest primate on Earth!

The Philippines

After arriving in Manila, we quickly continued our journey by flying to Cebu, then catching a ferry to Tubigon on Bohol. In hindsight, flying directly to Cebu might have saved us a step. There are international connections, but the detour worked out smoothly.

From Tubigon, there are no taxis, only tricycles, so we jumped into one for a 45-minute ride to Carmen, the town closest to the Chocolate Hills.

Our guide at the Pahangog Twin Falls - Joshua — Our guide at the Pahangog Twin Falls – Joshua

First Impressions of Bohol

We instantly fell in love with the island. The people are incredibly kind, the roads are in great condition, and there’s so much to explore. Food is cheap and tasty, and everything feels surprisingly easy to get around.

We spent just three nights on Bohol—too short, especially considering the rainy weather that made a sunrise over the Chocolate Hills impossible. But the lush green vegetation, rice terraces, and misty jungle landscapes were beautiful in their own right, especially from the drone.

Endless rice fields in Bohol Philippines

Chocolate Hills

Yes, they’re real—and yes, they look a bit like oversized molehills or a forgotten set from a sci-fi movie. The Chocolate Hills are actually made of limestone, and during dry season they turn brown, giving them their name. Despite the clouds, standing among them was surreal and worth the walk. Just don’t expect solitude. There’s a steady stream of tourist, even in the rain – so the earlier the merrier!

Chasing Waterfalls

We explored Pahangog Falls, also called Twin Falls. Towering walls of jungle, turquoise water, and not many tourists made their way down. Worth the bumpy ride and muddy path.

The Pahangog Twin Falls in Bohol were super impressive

The Star of the Show: The Philippine Tarsier in Bohol

Nothing prepared us for the tiny alien-like wonder that is the Philippine tarsier. This nocturnal primate, no larger than your hand, sports enormous eyes, long fingers, and a face that looks part gremlin, part baby Yoda.

Our guesthouse host explained that trying to spot one in the wild at night would be nearly impossible—and likely disturbing—so we visited the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary near Corella. There are two sanctuaries on the island, but this one is said to be more ethical, better managed, and respectful toward the animals and visitors alike.

There are two sanctuaries on the island, but this one is said to be more ethical, better managed, and respectful toward the animals and visitors alike.

Tarsiers are shy and sensitive. Most were curled up on branches, hidden under leaves to shield from the downpour. But then – luck. One woke up, stretched its limbs, and opened those cartoonishly wide eyes for a moment before nestling back in its rainy hideout. A moment of pure magic.

Tiniest and cutest primate in the world: Philippine Tarsiers in Bohol

We both fell hard for these little creatures. They look like nothing else on earth and watching one blink at us in the quiet jungle was a memory we’ll carry with us forever.