The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Malaysian sun bear, the world's smallest bear species. Located at Sepilok, in the state of Sabah, on 2.5 hectares of land bordering the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve, the centre welcomes animals seized from private zoos, plantations, and private residences. The visit combines observation from elevated walkways and understanding of the conservation work carried out on site.

Why visit the centre

The BSBCC remains one of the few facilities in the world entirely dedicated to the Malaysian sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), a species classified as vulnerable and difficult to observe in the wild due to its elusive behaviour. The visit serves several interests:

• Watch these bears thrive in a forest environment close to their natural habitat, rather than in a typical zoo enclosure.
• Understand the threats facing the species: deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, traditional medicine.
• Support conservation directly through the entrance fee, reinvested entirely in animal care and research.
• Combine the visit with the nearby orangutan rehabilitation centre, located just across the way.

Centre history

The project originates from a national study launched in 2004 by Malaysian biologist Wong Siew Te on captive Malaysian sun bears. The survey revealed that the majority of recorded individuals lived in unsuitable conditions, without proper care or veterinary supervision.

Wong Siew Te drew inspiration from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre model to design an equivalent facility dedicated to bears. The selected site, within the Sepilok-Kabili Reserve, had housed a Sumatran rhinoceros breeding programme until 2006. A partnership was established between Sabah's Department of Wildlife, the Department of Forests, and the Malaysian NGO LEAP.

The centre opened in 2008 with eight rescued bears, sourced from private zoos, residences, plantations, forestry camps, restaurants, and tourist resorts. Today, it houses approximately forty bears at various stages of rehabilitation.

What you'll see on site

The visit route is organized around two elevated wooden walkways and several observation platforms overlooking the forest enclosures. This design allows viewing the bears without intruding on their space: they climb trees, probe dead logs for termites, or rest in the lower canopy.

Telescopes are available at strategic points to observe individuals at a distance. On the main platform, staff answer questions and recount the history of residents, each bear having a name and individual story. Multilingual panels detail the species' biology and conservation issues.

Surrounding wildlife

The forest surrounding the centre is home to other species visible from the walkways:

• Pygmy black squirrels
• Macaques
• Civets (late afternoon)
• Tropical birds: hornbills, kingfishers, flycatchers

When to visit

The centre is open year-round. Sabah experiences an equatorial, hot and humid climate, with a more pronounced rainy season from October to February. Showers, often brief in late afternoon, do not prevent visits but may make the walkways slippery.

To maximize observation chances, favour the early morning, when bears are most active before the hottest hours. Late afternoon also offers sustained activity. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a full visit to enjoy the site and its various observation points.

Practical information

• Hours: open daily, including public holidays, during daytime hours (morning and early afternoon). Check updated hours before your visit.
• Admission: ticket booth at the entrance, reduced rates for children and differentiated pricing for Malaysian residents. Free for under 2s.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes, light clothing, insect repellent, water, poncho or compact umbrella.
• Photos: permitted without flash.

How to get there

The BSBCC is located opposite the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and shares its main entrance.

From Sandakan

The local bus marked "Batu 14 Sepilok" connects the city centre to the centre in approximately 45 minutes. Standard line 14 buses (or higher numbers) drop passengers at the Jalan Sepilok junction, 2.5 km from the site. Taxis remain the most direct option for travellers with luggage.

From Kota Kinabalu

Take a long-distance bus to Sandakan (approximately 6 hours), then a local transfer to Sepilok. The domestic flight Kota Kinabalu–Sandakan remains the fastest option.

By car

Roads are well-signposted from Sandakan. Parking is available at the shared entrance with the orangutan centre.

Nearby

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: just across the way, an obvious complementary visit on the same day.
• Rainforest Discovery Centre: minutes away, trails and canopy walk for birdwatching.
• Sepilok: general guide to the area and other natural sites.
• Bako National Park and Batang Ai National Park: to extend your wildlife and forest experience on Borneo.

Frequently asked questions

Include Sepilok in your itinerary

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre fits naturally into a circuit focused on Borneo's wildlife, between Sandakan, the Kinabatangan River, and Sabah's forests. To build a tailor-made journey combining wildlife observation, national parks, and Malaysian culture, explore our Malaysia travel itineraries.