The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta)

The Tarsier found in Bohol is one of the smallest known primates and no bigger than an adult persons hand. They look like tiny monkeys with bat-like features and the species is believed to be 45 million years old! Wow! They are nocturnal creatures and feed on insects mostly. The Tarsiers are a protected species but the continued destruction of their natural habitat (caused by legal and illegal logging) may very well push them to the list of extinct animals.

We saw 4 adult Tarsiers and a baby one in the viewing section of the Tarsier Sanctuary at Corella in Bohol but according to our guide there were total of about 100 Tarsiers in the entire sanctuary. The little creatures looked like tiny devils but they were so very cute. We were asked to keep our voices down as we entered the sanctuary so as not to disturb the sleeping Tarsiers but looking at them you wouldn't have known they were asleep at all. Their eyes are so big and I have to admit they were mesmerizing to look at. I'm sure my eyes involuntarily imitated their exaggerated open eyed expression! Lol. Even looking at the photo now I can't help but open my eyes as wide as I can! Haha! If you want to read more about them!

We visited Baclayon Church which was completed in 1727 by 200 native forced labourers who cut and transported coral stones from the sea using bamboo, placed the stones on top of each other and apparently used the whites of a million eggs to cement the stones together. I also read that it has a dungeon where the Jesuit priests in the past would punish those who violated the laws of the R. Catholic Church. I didn't see the dungeon but I wouldn't be surprised if it really did exist for that purpose! Tsk tsk.

The church was our last stop before heading to the airport for our flight back to Manila. The heat was starting to get to us and with our burning skins, it truly was a challenge for some not to turn cranky, lol. What made it even more of a challenge I guess was the airport building construction was only half done and no air conditioning or even a working fan was available. Uh oh. Heh, the smiles we were wearing for the past week got pretty close to turning into frowns! Lol. Still, the experience was part of island life and I would honestly endure the discomfort of the stinking heat if I had another chance to stay in that place for another week! Alas J&D were scheduled to leave for Dublin on the morrow so no choice but to head back. Time really does fly when you're having fun! I guess the next adventure awaits. :)