Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (Sabah)
See the world’s smallest bears up close at Sabah’s only sun bear conservation centre – a place of rescue, rehabilitation and hope.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (Sabah)
See the world’s smallest bears up close at Sabah’s only sun bear conservation centre – a place of rescue, rehabilitation and hope.
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is the only sun bear conservation centre in the world. Located beside the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, just 30 minutes from Sandakan, it provides a safe forest environment for rescued bears. Visitors can observe the black-furred sun bears climbing trees, digging for food and enjoying the forest, each with a unique golden chest marking like a rising sun.
History & Mission
Established in 2008 by sun bear researcher Wong Siew Te together with the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department and LEAP, the centre aims to raise awareness about sun bear conservation in Malaysia and internationally. It focuses on rescue, rehabilitation and release, while also providing long-term care for bears that cannot return to the wild.
Why Sun Bears Matter
The Bornean sun bear is the world’s smallest bear species, and the second most endangered after the giant panda. Listed on the IUCN Red List, their population is threatened by deforestation, hunting and the illegal pet trade. Unlike other bears, sun bears do not hibernate but build nests in trees to sleep, making forest protection critical to their survival.
Visitor Experience
The centre is open daily from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, including public holidays. Elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms allow visitors to watch the bears foraging, climbing and sunning themselves in their forest enclosure. Facilities include telescopes, educational displays, a short documentary, gift shop and full accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
How to Support
Support the centre by joining the Adopt a Sun Bear program – receive a certificate, photo, and regular updates on your chosen bear, while funding food, medical care and rehabilitation. Visitors can also volunteer at BSBCC, working alongside biologists and researchers to learn more about conservation in action.