Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan - Image 1
1 / 10

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Sandakan

4.5
·851 reviews·Sandakan, Malaysia

Discover the world's smallest bears at this vital sanctuary dedicated to their rescue and rehabilitation in Borneo's rainforest.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Feeding times

Bears are most active

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan - Image 1

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Sandakan

Best Time

Feeding times

Bears are most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the world's smallest bears at this vital sanctuary dedicated to their rescue and rehabilitation in Borneo's rainforest.

4.5
(851 reviews)

"A meaningful and educational visit to learn more about these amazing animals."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Active Sun Bears

Active Sun Bears

Various elevated viewing platforms

Witness the world's smallest bears engaging in natural behaviors, especially during feeding times.

Reddit
Conservation Talks

Conservation Talks

Information areas

Learn about the vital conservation efforts for these unique and endangered animals from dedicated staff.

Reddit
Unique Rainforest Habitat

Unique Rainforest Habitat

Sanctuary grounds

Explore a sanctuary designed to mimic their natural environment, offering ample space for the bears to roam.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Bear Sightings

Visit during feeding times for the best chance to see the sun bears active and up close. Arriving early or later in the day can also help avoid peak crowds, especially if you're combining your visit with the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Centre. Reddit

Prepare for an Elevated Experience

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre features elevated walkways, offering unique viewing angles. Be ready for some walking and stairs, and consider comfortable shoes. Reddit While views can sometimes be through fences or from above, the conservation efforts make it a worthwhile visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Feeding times
Why
Bears are most active
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, active bears
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Winding down, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bukan manusia seja perlu kerja sekarang 🤣 #borneansunbearconservationcentre #sepilokrehabilitioncentre #wildlife #savewildlife
@ejumplonsdaleii
53.9K likes • 1.4M views

🎯 Combine with Orangutan Centre

Visit both centers for a comprehensive wildlife experience in Sepilok. TikTokReddit

💧 Free Water Refill

Bring your own bottle! There's a free cold water refill station near the entrance. Reddit

Where to go in SANDAKAN, SABAH : 1) Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) 2) Sandakan Waterfront 3) Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary 4) Borneon Sunbear Conservation Centre (BSCC) 5) Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 6) Walai Penyu Conservation Park 7) Malaysia Fountain 8) St. Michael's and All Angels Church 9) Sam Sim Kung Temple 10) Masjid Daerah Sandakan 11) Agnes Keith House 12) English Tea House...
@farahinain_
7.2K likes • 109.5K views
𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰? The sun bear is the smallest bear in the world — and it’s native to Malaysia! This rare and remarkable species is also listed as one of Malaysia’s Totally Protected Animals. Tucked away in the lush rainforest of Sandakan, Borneo, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is a dedicated sanctuary that offers rescued sun bears a second chance. Through passionate efforts in resc...
bsbcc
137 likes • 2.8K views

💳 Card Payments Accepted

Entrance fees can be paid by card, making transactions convenient. Reddit

🛍️ Exclusive Souvenirs

The gift shop offers unique items that support the conservation efforts. Reddit

🐾 Meet the official mascot of #VisitMalaysia2026—the adorable Bornean sun bear! 🌴 Tiny but mighty, these rainforest heroes are the ultimate manja queens & wira kings keeping Malaysia’s jungles thriving. 🌳💚 From seed-spreading to pest-controlling, they’re nature’s real MVPs. 🐻✨ Swing by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre for a bear-y fun adventure and help protect their future! 🌏💡 💚 Come fo...
malaysia.travel.nl
0 likes • 655 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combine with Orangutan Centre

Visit both centers for a comprehensive wildlife experience in Sepilok. TikTokReddit

💧 Free Water Refill

Bring your own bottle! There's a free cold water refill station near the entrance. Reddit

💳 Card Payments Accepted

Entrance fees can be paid by card, making transactions convenient. Reddit

🛍️ Exclusive Souvenirs

The gift shop offers unique items that support the conservation efforts. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect to do some walking and climb stairs on the elevated walkways. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(851 reviews)

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. Reddit+1

"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

Meaningful conservation efforts
Unique bear viewing
Educational talks

What People Dislike

Occasional obstructed views
Can be crowded

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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a great educational experience for children. They can learn about wildlife conservation and see these unique animals up close. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit Early morning or late afternoon light can be softer and more flattering. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a fantastic educational outing for families. Kids will be fascinated by the world's smallest bears and learn about their importance in the rainforest. TikTok The elevated walkways offer a unique perspective, and the centre's focus on conservation provides valuable lessons about protecting wildlife. Instagram Remember to bring water bottles for the free refill station and comfortable shoes for exploring. Reddit

🌍 Eco-conscious Travelers

For travelers passionate about conservation, the BSBCC is a must-visit. Your entrance fee directly supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of sun bears. Instagram Learn from dedicated staff about the challenges these animals face and the vital work being done. Reddit The centre's commitment to providing a natural habitat and aiming for eventual release showcases a responsible approach to wildlife tourism. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The BSBCC offers unique photographic opportunities of the sun bears in their semi-natural environment. While views can be from elevated platforms or through fences, patience can reward you with great shots, especially during feeding times. Reddit Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the bears' unique markings and behaviors. TikTok The surrounding rainforest also provides beautiful natural backdrops for your photos. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Importance of Sun Bear Conservation

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears, the world's smallest bear species. These bears are native to Malaysia and are listed as a Totally Protected Animal. Instagram Sadly, they face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching. The centre plays a crucial role in protecting them and educating the public about their plight. TikTokInstagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

Understanding the Sun Bear's Role in the Ecosystem

Sun bears, often referred to as the 'manja queens and wira kings' of the jungle, are vital to the health of Borneo's rainforests. Instagram+1 Despite their small size, they play significant ecological roles. As omnivores, their diet consists of fruits, insects, small mammals, and honey, which helps in seed dispersal throughout the forest. Instagram

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. Instagram The conservation of sun bears is therefore not just about saving a species, but also about maintaining the delicate balance of their rainforest ecosystem. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

Visiting Sepilok: A Wildlife Hub

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is part of the renowned Sepilok wildlife hub in Sandakan, Sabah. This area is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast, offering a concentration of incredible conservation projects. TikTokInstagram

Adjacent to the sun bear centre is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can witness orangutans being rehabilitated and learn about their conservation. TikTokInstagram 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram