Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sandakan: Hours, Address, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,638 reviews
Excellent
922
Very good
498
Average
173
Poor
33
Terrible
12
Melissa Foord
Australia571 contributions
Couples
Amazing place to visit and see these beautiful innocent rescued bears. We saw them sleeping in trees and playing around. Loads of information on boards from diet to bile farms etc. we met Dr Wong which was great. There is a gift shop there, we bought a hat.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bernadette316
Southend-on-Sea, UK89 contributions
Family
We came for the orangutans at the Seplilok centre next door but loved our time at the sun bear conservation centre learning about these bears from no less than the founder, Dr Wong (aka Papa Bear), who was on hand to answer questions and was generous with his time and knowledge. It’s a great place to spend some time.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neil C
Northwich, UK202 contributions
Family
This is a great chance to see the bears who roam around in the conservation area, the staff are really knowledgeable and will point out other things such as bees and insects. The bears themselves are lovely, the younger ones are separated but still roam.
Be patient at feeding times, they can be a little shy.
Of note if you have a camera lens over 500 mm you have to pay a whopping charge!
Good for a few hours to see the bears, go first thing as everyone seems to go to sanctuary across the road for 10am feeding
Be patient at feeding times, they can be a little shy.
Of note if you have a camera lens over 500 mm you have to pay a whopping charge!
Good for a few hours to see the bears, go first thing as everyone seems to go to sanctuary across the road for 10am feeding
Written 29 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bwtripper
Butterworth, Malaysia200 contributions
Friends
We visited this after watching the feeding session at the orang utan sanctuary as it is almost next to each other. Informative boards are placed around the place and there is a video that runs continuosly in the visitor area so visitors can watch it at their convenience. Glad to see the bears are allowed to live in an environment that is rather similar to the wild. There is a well run souvenir shop with educational souvenirs like children's books featuring the sun bears as well as good quality T-shirts etc. I could see the souvenirs were designed with care. I was happy to buy some things to support the excellent work being done. I have to thank our driver Anzar (Whatsapp +60 178217605, anzaruddin38@gmail.com) for helping to plan our schedule so well that we managed to visit this too.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
#foracoolerworld
Vienna, Austria636 contributions
In my opinion a better experience than the opposite Orang Utan Centre. You have several trails, including some platforms. On of the rangers/researchers was even on one platform to answer questions and also the visitors centre is very informative.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
InTheMomentManhattan
New York City, NY1,121 contributions
My wife and I were able to spot a few sun bears during our visit to the Conservation Centre. They would be very difficult to see in the wild. The bears seemed content
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
petersjsim
Tawau, Malaysia1,975 contributions
Family
The facilities catered for visitors are tip top. The two platforms provide good sightings of the animal. Children, in particular, love the sightings of the sun bear. It provides good education in environment preservation for young children to learn the importance of it.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lavy81
Kuala Lumpur485 contributions
Solo
What a wonderful and inspiring place to see the Borneo Sunbears...i met the founder and ceo briefly when visiting the platform and he was really inspiring. Spend a lot on the merchandise and gift shop in order to give back. The bears were lovely and look well fed.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David B
Penang Island, Malaysia100 contributions
Couples
Definitely worth a visit to see these beautiful creatures.
The centre is really well run and informative, staff really do care and the manager came to talk to us.
The centre is really well run and informative, staff really do care and the manager came to talk to us.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard G
Letchworth, UK23 contributions
Friends
The passion of Wong, the director is incredible. It is possible to see sun bears close up and learn about their ecology and survival. An absolute must for anyone visiting Sabah
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What is the entance fee if I come alone.
Sharrel Baharum
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia268 contributions
For malaysian, if not mistaken, its below RM10..
Xylojenny
33 contributions
After the recent storm, is the sun bear centre still open? Thank you
prettyangebaby
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom90 contributions
I agree with the previous answer. Best to ring first and check.
Kerry G
Hampshire, UK135 contributions
What time does the centre open and close? What time are the bears fed? I read it's not a set time as they are trying to rehabilitate so is there a better time to view? We arrive around 3 plans were going to do this today if possible
KJames29
Preston, UK103 contributions
We went as part of tour with Orang-utan centre the Bears were elusive and there are high walkways it is really pot luck how much of them you see but we did see and photographed 'whole' bears there is a lot of poking through bush though just a head or a leg. When we left the bears the orang utan centre was closed as it does have feeding times. I can only suggest that you co-ordinate your visit to see both a call to centre from Hotel would help if you have no guide/contact over there. Enjoy! they are definitely worth a visit. Just be patient.
Emilia2000Milano
Milan, Italy222 contributions
Hello, from Sandakan, which one is the best way to reach the Sanctuary ? what's the best time to be there ? thank you in advance for your help. Emilia
Susan H
Marple, UK300 contributions
We booked through viatour who picked us up and we had a guide for the trip we went just before lunch plenty of bears to view and staff who talks to you about them. Hope you enjoy
LondonJmj
London91 contributions
Is it easy to pick up a taxi at the sanctuary to get back to airport please? We would need to leave to catch a 14.30 flight (no baggage). Thanks.
Pam1Dec
Superior, CO100 contributions
Hello, there are taxi's right next door at the Orangutan Sanctuary however I would recommend a save bet ride to the airport with the staff at the Sepilok Nature Resort. The are about a block walking distance from both sanctuaries. Also they can do pack lunch/food to go. Amazing food! Allow 30 minutes.
Pam
JuliaT16
Camberley, UK16 contributions
How much is entrance fee
NelliePelliePoohski
Gloucester, UK37 contributions
We paid 39 ringgits per person last summer - currently just over £7
SunnyDayz33
Mooloolaba, Australia20 contributions
Hi, can't seem to find the 'at gate' price for sun bear sanctuary or the orangutan sanctuary. I'll be staying close by so don't need an organised tour. also is it cash only? Thanks for any up to date information.
JandJFarnhamCommon
farnham common353 contributions
Sorry can't remember but you will enjoy the visit. Be prepared to sit and wait till a feeding time when you will see the bears. We went morning and afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre:
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour (From RMÂ 456.91)
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour (From RMÂ 387.02)
- Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan,Sun Bear & Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu (From RMÂ 596.92)
- Labuk Bay Proboscis, Sepilok Orang Utan & Sun Bear + Sandakan City Tour + Lunch (From RMÂ 542.88)
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch (From RMÂ 427.11)
- Hotels near Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre:
- (0.25 km) Nature Lodge Sepilok
- (0.32 km) Sepilok B&B
- (1.06 km) Sepilok Nature Resort
- (1.28 km) MY Nature Resort
- (1.25 km) Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
- Restaurants near Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre:
- (0.03 km) Mango Garden Restaurant
- (0.16 km) White House Bistro
- (1.09 km) The Lake Bistro and Bar
- (1.17 km) Banana Cafe
- (1.13 km) The Nest