Where To See Tarsiers In The Philippines

Small yet agile – these are the adjectives that would best describe the Philippine Tarsiers, a species endemic to the Southeast Asian country. Considered as the world’s smallest primate and known for their large, brown eyes, this species has attracted both local and foreign tourists who are curious to know more about the magical creature and its habitat.

The Philippine Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier belongs to the 45 million-year-old primitive sub-order Promisii or promisian. Comparing it with the size of an adult’s hand, it measures only about four to five inches and weighs around four to five ounces. Its eyes are the most notable feature – being twice as big as human eyes yet unable to see from the corners. Apart from having big eyes, its distinguishing characteristics are its tail that’s longer than its body, long finger-like claws, and a flattened face with hairless ears. Because of its physical similarities resembling that of a monkey, tarsiers have also been known as the ‘world’s smallest monkeys’.

Notable characteristics

While these small creatures seem like they’re harmless (as they mostly cling to branches) and cute (because they’re pocket-sized), they’re very agile predators. They’re able to leap great distances of up to 10 feet. They also have sharp teeth and two incisors in their lower jaw, making it easy for them to catch their prey. They mostly eat fruits and insects such as crickets, and even small lizards.

Another notable characteristic of Philippine tarsiers is that they are always together and they live in groups. And, when they gather, they produce a chirping, locust-like sound. Tarsiers are also said to be monogamous and only mate once a year.

Where to find them?

These furry, tiny creatures can only be found in the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. While there are other species of Tarsiers found in Indonesia and Borneo, the Tarsius syrichta species can only be found within forests, dense patches and tall grasses in the above-mentioned islands of the Philippines. But, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other forms of human disturbance, Tarsiers have become endangered in the country – just like the Philippine Eagle. Some of these species are also being illegally sold as pet souvenirs to tourists.

Despite threats to this rare species, there have been organisations dedicated to protecting them such as the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary and the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. The 167 square-metre sanctuary, located within the municipalities of Corella, Sikatuna and Loboc, is open to tourists but they are not allowed to touch these shy, nervous creatures nor take photos of them with the flash switched on.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.