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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- RuthielarkLondon, United Kingdom235 contributionsWell worth your support.Cannot understand any negativity- it’s lovely! Seen some negative reviews about it being more captive for the bears but, being a conservation enthusiast and the first to spot any animals in distress I saw only good things here. These are rescued bears, you can see some with pervious scars from being held in chains so they are now free to forage and roam around naturally and safely. We were lucky enough to meet the founder who was very engaged and great with the visitors of all ages. We didn’t realise who we had met until later. Worth supporting this project with your entry fee for sure!!Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 December 2022
- TravelDooeyMelbourne, Australia288 contributionsDr Wong is doing great thingsThis attraction is a little more expensive than some others, but it is supporting a very good cause. Note that Dr Wong will probably be around & manning a telescopic viewfinder looking at bear or cool snake. Let him take a video through the viewfinder using your phone. He'll provide a great commentary for you!Visited December 2022Written 1 January 2023
- JoyeuxAsia470 contributionsGo Sun Bears!This centre appears to be well organised and maintained. We understand that there were some maintenance works done during the pandemic lull. Nice! It was awesome to view the bears in their enclosure and being able to learn more about them. We found out from a guide that sun bears may self harm to get human attention! The gift shop has some good quality items. The bsbcc website, including the annual reports on the website contain a wealth of information on the centre’s activities. It is heartwarming to discover how this centre was started. Well done! Go sun bears!Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 5 January 2023
- M HVantaa, Finland234 contributionsRelaxing place to see the smallest and goofiest-looking bears in the worldIf you want to support a good cause and see goofy-looking bears in a relaxing and quiet environment, this is the place. It is designed mainly for the bears and the point of the initiative is release the badly treated bears back into the nature. Giving people a chance to see these lovely creatures is a nice bonus. In addition to the bears there isn’t much more to do and we liked it that way. Bears were very active when we visited the place, but they can be sleeping too - it is up to them. Animals aren’t here for circus tricks. The place is really clean and it is easy to access with separate paths for people with limited mobility. The are two viewing platforms and next to them are signs telling names, personalities and stories of the each bear. At the entrance/exit there is also a small gift shop that serves snacks and cold drinks. Inside, you can find a small education center with information about their cause and the bears. If you visiting the orangutan center, make sure to visit this one as well since it just next to it.Visited February 2023Written 13 February 2023
- Anco MAberdeen, United Kingdom639 contributionsUnexpectedThe sunbear centre is located right next to orangutan centre and we visited immediately afterwards. Large enclosures with plenty of bears that seemed very happy and were steamed ready to be re-released into the wild. Unexpectedly great.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 July 2023
- BiffroLondon, United Kingdom1,165 contributionsThe cutest little bearsWe visited this centre as part of a group tour. The sunbear centre is located next to the orangutan centre. This place is amazing as you learn all about the biology and ecology of the sun bears. They have very big enclosures here where the bears can roam around with other bears in a natural environment until they are ready to be released and it is so amazing the work that goes on here to release them successfully in to their natural habitat. We got to see a number of these little bears up close and they are beautiful. It’s so sad to hear that they are endangered but I am so grateful for places like this that help their numbers recover.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 31 July 2023
- OceanLovingCoupleSan Francisco, California3,915 contributionsRight Acoss the Street from the Orang Utan Center but 1000 times BetterAfter a very disappointing visit to the absurdly overcrowded Orang Utan rehabilitation center just across the street, the unique Sun Bear Conservation Center was like a breathe of fresh air. We much enjoyed it. 1%, perhaps, of the huge hordes including many large families of screaming kids make it across the street from the Orang Utans to the unique Sun Bear conservation center. That, among other things, makes it eminently more enjoyable. Much cooler as there is breeze and there are not several hundred humans crammed together in a tiny pen like observation area. The rangers, including native English speakers, are very interactive with the small groups that visit (unlike across the street). The sun bears are cute but vicious, they were always snarling and charging at each other creating quite the show. This is the only Sun Bear center in the World, and you'll see them up close from two elevated observation towers.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 August 2023
- Maree RChristchurch, New Zealand1,135 contributionsMust DoExcellent center where you can view sun bears in a protected environment. A canopy walk over their habitat with a few viewing platforms makes this an easy experience. There is a shop with aircon at the end where you can purchase souvenirs and drinks. Not expensive to enter and a definite must do.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 September 2023
- Mufajel75London, United Kingdom164 contributionsNice insight into Sun BearsA pleasant insight into the lives of Sun Bears. There are 2 viewing platforms with a hand full of bears in them. While the subject matter is really fascinating the set up was smaller than expected. However as an add on attraction after Sepilok this is certainly worth a visit.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 September 2023
- annminkyUnited States1,591 contributionsCute BearsSo good to know there is a conservation center that takes care of these beautiful bears. I had the pleasure to meet Dr Wong, founder of this center. The bears roam around an enclosure and are fed by the staff. The idea is to release these bears once they recover. I heard horrible stories about these bears. Some people didn’t realize that they have a bear. They thought it was a dog. So sad to know that these bears were separated from their mama bears. This center gives them a chance to thrive and live a normal life.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,672 reviews
Excellent
943
Very good
506
Average
177
Poor
34
Terrible
12
eric
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I give this 5 star's I very like to see the sun bear and I recommend this driver because he's help us do day trip +60109416201
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauren N
Glasgow, UK21 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great place, a bit more expensive than the Orangutan centre but still worth it! 2 viewing platforms and the staff are always around to tell you information about the bears which is handy. Worth going when you’re doing the orangutan Centre. Staff are lovely!
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aster VDB
Belgium4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
On our round trip in Malaysia we went to visit Borneo (Sabah) for a few days. I got mr. Abdul's number from a friend in Belgium that booked a trip with him a few years ago. I whatsapped him and he was very responsive! He planned 3 days for us to visit the best attractions with him as a private driver (with good guides, food,...) for a good price and it was perfect! He organised everything down to the last detail so we could relax and enjoy! We did the fireflies (lovely!), kinabatangan river, labuk bay, sepilok, sunbears and the rain forest discovery and it was all worth it! The sunbears are very cute animals so it was nice to see them at the conservation centre, they do a great job! We're very thankful to mr. Abdul to show us around because he's a great guy who does the best he can for you. The best is that with him you experience the more local Borneo at a less touristic way than when you book a tour with a big companie. We are very satisfied and highly recommend him, so just text him and enjoy (+601116695114)!! Mike & Aster
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annminky
United States1,591 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
So good to know there is a conservation center that takes care of these beautiful bears. I had the pleasure to meet Dr Wong, founder of this center. The bears roam around an enclosure and are fed by the staff. The idea is to release these bears once they recover. I heard horrible stories about these bears. Some people didn’t realize that they have a bear. They thought it was a dog. So sad to know that these bears were separated from their mama bears. This center gives them a chance to thrive and live a normal life.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mufajel75
London, UK164 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A pleasant insight into the lives of Sun Bears. There are 2 viewing platforms with a hand full of bears in them.
While the subject matter is really fascinating the set up was smaller than expected. However as an add on attraction after Sepilok this is certainly worth a visit.
While the subject matter is really fascinating the set up was smaller than expected. However as an add on attraction after Sepilok this is certainly worth a visit.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maree R
Christchurch, New Zealand1,135 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Excellent center where you can view sun bears in a protected environment. A canopy walk over their habitat with a few viewing platforms makes this an easy experience. There is a shop with aircon at the end where you can purchase souvenirs and drinks. Not expensive to enter and a definite must do.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OceanLovingCouple
San Francisco, CA3,915 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
After a very disappointing visit to the absurdly overcrowded Orang Utan rehabilitation center just across the street, the unique Sun Bear Conservation Center was like a breathe of fresh air.
We much enjoyed it. 1%, perhaps, of the huge hordes including many large families of screaming kids make it across the street from the Orang Utans to the unique Sun Bear conservation center. That, among other things, makes it eminently more enjoyable. Much cooler as there is breeze and there are not several hundred humans crammed together in a tiny pen like observation area.
The rangers, including native English speakers, are very interactive with the small groups that visit (unlike across the street). The sun bears are cute but vicious, they were always snarling and charging at each other creating quite the show. This is the only Sun Bear center in the World, and you'll see them up close from two elevated observation towers.
We much enjoyed it. 1%, perhaps, of the huge hordes including many large families of screaming kids make it across the street from the Orang Utans to the unique Sun Bear conservation center. That, among other things, makes it eminently more enjoyable. Much cooler as there is breeze and there are not several hundred humans crammed together in a tiny pen like observation area.
The rangers, including native English speakers, are very interactive with the small groups that visit (unlike across the street). The sun bears are cute but vicious, they were always snarling and charging at each other creating quite the show. This is the only Sun Bear center in the World, and you'll see them up close from two elevated observation towers.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biffro
London, UK1,165 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We visited this centre as part of a group tour. The sunbear centre is located next to the orangutan centre.
This place is amazing as you learn all about the biology and ecology of the sun bears. They have very big enclosures here where the bears can roam around with other bears in a natural environment until they are ready to be released and it is so amazing the work that goes on here to release them successfully in to their natural habitat. We got to see a number of these little bears up close and they are beautiful. It’s so sad to hear that they are endangered but I am so grateful for places like this that help their numbers recover.
This place is amazing as you learn all about the biology and ecology of the sun bears. They have very big enclosures here where the bears can roam around with other bears in a natural environment until they are ready to be released and it is so amazing the work that goes on here to release them successfully in to their natural habitat. We got to see a number of these little bears up close and they are beautiful. It’s so sad to hear that they are endangered but I am so grateful for places like this that help their numbers recover.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anco M
Aberdeen, UK639 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The sunbear centre is located right next to orangutan centre and we visited immediately afterwards. Large enclosures with plenty of bears that seemed very happy and were steamed ready to be re-released into the wild. Unexpectedly great.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne R
6 contributions
Jun 2023
We enjoyed walking around seeing the various Sun Bears. It's good to see how they are being looked after.
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the entance fee if I come alone.
Sharrel Baharum
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia269 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, UK146 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, UK135 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, Italy223 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, CO106 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.
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Claim your listingBORNEAN SUN BEAR CONSERVATION CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- 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 537.64)
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour (From RMÂ 467.42)
- Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan,Sun Bear & Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu (From RMÂ 888.27)
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch (From RMÂ 598.28)
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch (From RMÂ 891.97)
- Hotels near Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre:
- (0.03 km) Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
- (0.14 km) Nature Lodge Sepilok
- (0.35 km) Sepilok B&B
- (1.06 km) Sepilok Nature Resort
- (1.28 km) MY Nature 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