Half-day Bohol Tour Part 1: Tarsier-Sightings

Forgive me for lying low for weeks. Let's just say things took an interesting turn. But the important thing is that I'm back, and for this week I'll be writing about my trips to Bohol.

I've been to Bohol about three years ago, enough time for me to get excited to see what makes the province a tourist magnet. We have half a day for the tour, meaning we'll only see the highlights, and our first stop was the Tarsier Conservation Area located in the town of Loboc, about two hours from Panglao island where we stayed.

A quick note on the tarsiers: they are solitary, territorial, and nocturnal creatures, whose diet consist of insects, and they are well distributed in Southeast Asia. They prefer small-growth forests for their habitat. The foremost expert on tarsiers run the conservation, and to listen to the tour guide regale us on how the former became one after starting out as a taxidermist is quite interesting.

Many of the tarsiers were from private collections. In the conservation facility,
each tarsier has at least one dedicated human looking after it

We were told to keep our distance from the tarsiers--and absolutely no touching.
Of the tarsiers. :-)

This is how the tarsiers in the wild are during the day.

Incidentally, one of the tarsiers was named Charlie in honor of
Britain's Prince Charles when he visited the country.

Again, reminders, should you visit:

1. Observe silence upon entering the premises
2. No shouting--speak in hushed tones
3. No flash photography
4. No touching of the tarsiers

Rest assured that no primates were harmed during our visit.

Entrance fee is P50.00, and comes free with a postcard. The caretakers were pretty knowledgeable about their wards, and they'll also assist you come up with the best angles for pictures with the critters. And, oh, the restrooms were relatively clean and well-maintained.

Next stop: the (Mint) Chocolate Hills