By: Jeeves de Veyra
When one thinks of Bohol, images of beaches and Chocolate Hills immediately come to mind. An image of a forest paradise is probably not on that list. And yet, that is exactly what Tarsier Botanica is: a resort situated in the middle of a forest.
Tarsier Botanika is an exclusive resort nestled in the forests of southern Panglao. It used to be a tarsier sanctuary until the local government moved the endangered creatures to their facility in Bohol. With only 14 villas in the entire complex, this resort guarantees privacy and a place to really get away from it all.
This resort was dreamed up by its architect owners. There is a museum that houses collectibles and objets d’art that they have brought home from their travels. The curated collection in the museum reflects the European and Asian aesthetics that has made its way into the resort.
Everything in the resort was made according to the owners’ designs: the resort layout, the villas, the restaurant, and special furniture in the buildings.
As a guest in Tarsier Botanika, you don’t walk through claustrophobic hallways to get to their rooms. Rather, you wander through lush forest paths to get to your villa with the soundtrack of the wind rustling through the leaves and birds chirping in the trees.
With every step on the paths is an Instagram moment waiting to be captured. There’s a sleeping Buddha from Bali, there’s the Santorini-esque cliffside walkway that leads down to a private beach, the swimming pool which occasionally has birds diving in and out of the water,
And then, there are the villas themselves.
The villas, which resemble large nipa huts, dwarf a standard hotel room. It can easily house an entire family. The bathroom is massive with storage space for luggage. A comfortable king size bed adorns the main room with a classy desk and a breakfast nook in a corner, which comes with a CBTL Caffitaly espresso machine with a complete selection of espresso pods.
Tarsier Botanika is not shy about the construction of the villa as the massive structures that support the roof are there to see when you lie down on the bed. The supports are an imposing sight and yet, it just shows how well made these houses are. Little touches like a foot wash outside the villa and various drying racks show how much thought was given to the design of these levelled up huts. The villa just invites guests to cocoon themselves inside for the duration of their stay.
And yet, there is a lot more to do and see in Tarsier Botanika. There is a mini-zoo that houses all sorts of birds and animals from the island. There is a stable with horses and ponies that guests can ride though their Tarsier Equestria package. Professional equestrian athletes from Cebu regularly come here for dressage and Show Jumping practice.
There is also a Tarsier Aquatica package that includes boat trips to nearby islands for scuba diving guests.
Though Tarsier Botanika has its own beach, guests can catch a boat and sun themselves at the beaches of nearby Pamilacan Island. The resort occasionally hosts beachside barbecue brunch for guests which also features snorkeling at the nearby marine sanctuary to check out Bohol’s marine biodiversity.
For those looking for a party atmosphere, the resort provides a shuttle to Panglao Beach. The resort’s shuttle station is located at its similarly named sister restaurant. The beachside branch’s menu is more down-to-earth than the gourmet menu of the resort.
Tarsier Botanika is an emerald in the sea of Bohol’s beach resorts. It offers is not just a resort offering a place to stay, it is a complete experience for the world-weary who’re looking for a couple of days of disconnection from the world and a place to enjoy peace and quiet.
IN MY OPINION
