Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Sandakan
Discover the world's smallest bears at this vital sanctuary dedicated to their rescue and rehabilitation in Borneo's rainforest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bears are most active
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Sandakan
Best Time
Bears are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the world's smallest bears at this vital sanctuary dedicated to their rescue and rehabilitation in Borneo's rainforest.
"A meaningful and educational visit to learn more about these amazing animals."
🎯 Combine with Orangutan Centre
Visit both centers for a comprehensive wildlife experience in Sepilok.
💧 Free Water Refill
Bring your own bottle! There's a free cold water refill station near the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Active Sun Bears
Various elevated viewing platforms
Witness the world's smallest bears engaging in natural behaviors, especially during feeding times.
Conservation Talks
Information areas
Learn about the vital conservation efforts for these unique and endangered animals from dedicated staff.
Unique Rainforest Habitat
Sanctuary grounds
Explore a sanctuary designed to mimic their natural environment, offering ample space for the bears to roam.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Bear Sightings
Prepare for an Elevated Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combine with Orangutan Centre
Visit both centers for a comprehensive wildlife experience in Sepilok.
💧 Free Water Refill
Bring your own bottle! There's a free cold water refill station near the entrance.
💳 Card Payments Accepted
Entrance fees can be paid by card, making transactions convenient.
🛍️ Exclusive Souvenirs
The gift shop offers unique items that support the conservation efforts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combine with Orangutan Centre
Visit both centers for a comprehensive wildlife experience in Sepilok.
💧 Free Water Refill
Bring your own bottle! There's a free cold water refill station near the entrance.
💳 Card Payments Accepted
Entrance fees can be paid by card, making transactions convenient.
🛍️ Exclusive Souvenirs
The gift shop offers unique items that support the conservation efforts.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect to do some walking and climb stairs on the elevated walkways.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre for its meaningful conservation work and the opportunity to see the world's smallest bears. The elevated viewing platforms offer a unique perspective, and the staff's dedication is evident. While some views can be challenging, the educational aspect and the direct support for the animals make it a highly recommended visit.
"Lovely conservation where you get to see sun bears from various elevate platforms. The bears were busy doing things bears do, and it was nice to watch the cute creatures. Not always the best views from above or through a fence, but was still good. Lots of people on the day we went,so a bit of a tousle in some spots. Nice gift store too."
Candi M
"50rm entree, but you can pay by card!
Would be amazing if you could buy a 2 in 1 ticket with the orang otang centre.
We did see many bears and loved the talk with the workers.
They have a free cold water refill point in the first building after the entrance, and a shop at the end to buy some souvenirs."
Marnix Van Der Meulen
"I had a wonderful visit to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The sanctuary is set in a large natural habitat, giving the bears plenty of space to roam and live in surroundings close to the wild. The walkways are well maintained, though be prepared for some walking and stairs. If you’re lucky, you might also spot other wildlife, such as snakes, which adds to the experience of being close to nature. Overall, it’s a meaningful and educational visit, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about these amazing animals."
Zarina Othman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is located in Sepilok, near Sandakan. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from Sandakan town. It's conveniently situated right next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, making it easy to visit both.
Parking is generally available at the centre, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. As it's a popular attraction, especially when combined with the Orangutan Centre, parking can fill up during peak hours.
While direct public buses to the centre might be limited, you can take a local bus towards Sepilok from Sandakan town and then potentially a short taxi ride or walk to the centre. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are more reliable options.
They are adjacent to each other, so you can simply walk between them. This makes it very convenient to experience both wildlife attractions in one visit.
Yes, Sepilok has several lodges and guesthouses that cater to tourists visiting the wildlife centres. Staying nearby allows for easy access to the centres, especially for early morning or late afternoon visits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary for Malaysians and non-Malaysians. For Malaysians, it's typically RM10 for adults and RM5 for children. For non-Malaysians, it's around RM50 for adults and RM25 for children. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
While online booking options might be available, tickets are also readily purchasable at the entrance. Many visitors opt to buy them on arrival, especially if they are combining their visit with the Orangutan Centre.
The centre is generally open daily, often from around 9 AM to 3:30 PM or 4 PM. It's advisable to check their official operating hours before your visit, as these can sometimes change.
Currently, there isn't a formal combined ticket. However, since the centres are adjacent, many visitors purchase tickets separately and enjoy both in one trip.
Booking in advance is generally not required for individual visitors. However, if you are part of a large group, it might be beneficial to inquire about group bookings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see rescued sun bears in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat. The centre focuses on rehabilitation and eventual release, so you're supporting a great cause. You can observe them from elevated platforms.
Sun bears can be shy and are most active during feeding times or cooler parts of the day. While you can see them from elevated platforms, their visibility can vary.
Yes, it's a great educational experience for children. They can learn about wildlife conservation and see these unique animals up close.
A visit usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you spend observing the bears and browsing the gift shop. If you combine it with the Orangutan Centre, plan for at least half a day.
While not always formal tours, staff members are often present and happy to share information about the bears and conservation efforts. Some visitors have mentioned engaging talks with workers.
📸 📸 Photography
Be patient and wait for the bears to be active. Use a camera with good zoom capabilities as you'll be viewing them from a distance or elevated platforms. Early morning or late afternoon light can be softer and more flattering.
It's generally best to avoid flash photography when photographing wildlife, as it can startle or disturb the animals. Check for any specific signage at the centre regarding photography rules.
Yes, while views can sometimes be through fences or from above, there are opportunities to capture unique shots, especially when the bears are active or during feeding times.
A telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing close-ups of the bears. However, a standard zoom lens or even a good smartphone camera can still capture great memories.
The lush rainforest surroundings offer beautiful natural scenery. You might also spot other small wildlife like snakes, adding to the photographic potential of your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌍 Eco-conscious Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Sun Bear Conservation
Visitors can learn about the challenges these bears face and the conservation efforts underway. The centre aims to provide a safe haven for rescued bears, offering them a chance to live in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. This includes spacious enclosures and opportunities for rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild when feasible.
By visiting the BSBCC, you directly contribute to these conservation efforts. Your entrance fee and any purchases from the gift shop help fund the care of the bears and the ongoing work of the centre. It's a meaningful way to experience wildlife while supporting a vital cause.
Understanding the Sun Bear's Role in the Ecosystem
Their foraging habits, particularly their love for honey, also make them effective pest controllers. By raiding beehives, they help manage insect populations. Furthermore, their digging activities can aerate the soil, contributing to forest regeneration. The conservation of sun bears is therefore not just about saving a species, but also about maintaining the delicate balance of their rainforest ecosystem.
Unfortunately, their unique characteristics and habitat make them vulnerable. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre works to protect these essential creatures, ensuring they can continue their important work in the wild. Understanding their role highlights why their conservation is so critical for the biodiversity of Borneo.
Visiting Sepilok: A Wildlife Hub
Adjacent to the sun bear centre is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can witness orangutans being rehabilitated and learn about their conservation. Other nearby attractions include the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), which offers canopy walks and a chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Borneo rainforest, and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
This cluster of attractions makes Sepilok an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay focused on experiencing Borneo's unique wildlife. Planning your visits to these centres together allows for a comprehensive and unforgettable encounter with the region's incredible biodiversity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit