[2025 Sepilok Attraction] Travel Guide for Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) (Updated May)

It seems that many people choose Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, but rarely Sandakan! However, Sandakan is actually a great place to visit, with its harbors, rivers, rainforests, countless wildlife, and historical sites. Known as the 'Land Below the Wind,' Sandakan, also called Elopura, is a city in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, located on the northeastern coast of Borneo. ✅ Rainforest Discovery Centre A rainforest conservation area with multiple walking trails that reach various corners of the rainforest, with explanatory signs along the way. ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ✅ Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Here you can see the world's smallest bears, with nearly 30 rescued from harsh environments across Sabah. You can observe them up close. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM ✅ Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Home to the proboscis monkey, known for its unusually large nose that shakes when excited. You might also spot them in other areas of Sabah. ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Getting There - The trip there was quite simple and direct, it connects to the main road quite conveniently. A standard tarred road, it was a pleasant trip with scenery, using our Toyota Hilux from Sandakan it was a fresh and easygoing way to the location. We originally came from Kota Marudu and is looking for an adventure towards the eastern parts of Sabah, safe to say it's not a bad decision at all. Attractions - The main attraction of Borneon Sun Bear Conservation is but of course, Sun Bears or Beruang Madu in Malay which is weird considering the differing translation from English to Malay. Anyhow it makes sense when it is explained by one of the friendly official there that will act as a guide on a sector of the park. He is quite knowledgeable about the place so you can ask him a few things there and about the place and he'll answer it in a jiffy. The Sun Bears themselves are pretty cute, they're nothing too extraordinary but it's one of the animals you seldom see in life so it was a nice experience. The place is also famous for being a hub for people to take their geographic platform on to review the Sun Bears. There's also that of a mini museum dedicated to Sun Bears they have built and a few other species we saw around the forest like monkeys of various species. It is certainly a must go if you have a knack for wildlife. Hotels - The place itself doesn't offer any hotels so I can't comment on this. Food & Restaurants - The Café was alright, it was nothing spectacular but for the price it was okay. the waiters was of course friendly and that's a plus. Shopping - For locals like us the gift shop they had in store has pretty exorbitant prices for the items they had but foreigners wouldn't mind spending a few bucks for something memorable and it is to support the orginization after all, not a bad thing indeed. #2023travelwish

#kotakinabalutrip Located next to the **Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre** in **Sandakan, Sabah**, the **Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)** is the **world’s only facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting the world’s smallest bear**—the **Malayan Sun Bear** (*Helarctos malayanus*). --- ### **Why Visit BSBCC?** ✔ **Save a Rare Species** – Sun bears are **endangered** due to deforestation and poaching. ✔ **Up-Close Viewing** – Observe rescued bears in a **natural forest enclosure**. ✔ **Educational Experience** – Learn about sun bear behavior, conservation, and threats. ✔ **Ethical Tourism** – Your visit supports rehabilitation efforts. --- ### **Meet the Sun Bears!** - **Size**: Tiny but mighty! Adults weigh **25–70kg** (smallest bear species). - **Distinct Markings**: A golden **"sun" crescent** on their chest. - **Behavior**: Excellent climbers (they love honey—hence "honey bear" nickname!). --- ### **Visitor Info:** 📍 **Location**: Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah (next to Orangutan Centre). ⏰ **Opening Hours**: **9:00 AM – 3:30 PM** (last entry). 🎟️ **Entrance Fee**: - **Adults**: RM50 (~$10) - **Children (6–17)**: RM25 (~$5) - **Free for kids under 6**. 📸 **Photography Allowed** (no flash). --- ### **What to Expect?** 1. **Observation Platform** – Watch bears forage, climb, and play. 2. **Educational Displays** – Info on threats (habitat loss, pet trade). 3. **Feeding Time** (11:30 AM & 2:30 PM) – Best chance to see active bears! --- ### **Pro Tips:** - **Combine with Sepilok Orangutan Centre** (5-min walk, buy combo tickets). - **Morning visits** are cooler with more bear activity. - **Support the cause** – Donate or adopt a bear! --- ### **Did You Know?** - Sun bears are **vital to rainforests**—they spread seeds and control pests! - BSBCC was founded by **Dr. Wong Siew Te**, a Malaysian wildlife biologist. --- ### **Catchy Title Ideas:** 1. **"BSBCC: Saving the World’s Smallest (and Cutest!) Bear!"** 2. **"Meet Sabah’s Sun Bears – A Conservation Success Story!"** 3. **"From Rescue to Rainforest: Sun Bears at Sepilok!"** **Perfect for:** Animal lovers, families, and eco-tourists!

🐾 Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre - Featured Experience: As the world's first sun bear conservation center, it serves as a sanctuary for sun bears and a hub for conservation, education, and research. Visitors can observe these precious small bears up close and learn about their habits. 📍 Address: PPM 219, Elopura, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. 🦍 Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre - Featured Experience: Home to orangutans, visitors can watch feeding sessions at specific times and even witness orangutans in their natural habitat. - Address: Sabah Wildlife Department, W.D.T. 200, Sandakan, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm. 🌳 Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre - Featured Experience: Located in Sepilok, it features tall birdwatching towers and canopy walkways, making it an ideal place to explore rainforest flora and fauna. - Address: PO Box 1407, 90715 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 🐒 Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - Featured Experience: Get up close with Sabah's proboscis monkeys and observe their lifestyle and feeding habits. - Address: Off Jalan Labuk, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. 🏝 Turtle Islands National Park - Featured Experience: As Southeast Asia's most important turtle nesting and hatching site, visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving, and witness the natural spectacle of turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and hatchlings returning to the sea at night. - Address: Selingan Island, Wisma Khoo Siak Chiew, 90708 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

it was raining very heavily so we could not visit the Orang Utan sanctuary in sepilok but we were able to visit the Sun bear conservatory next door. RM10 for Malaysians and RM50 for non Malaysians. the Conservatory is very well built and maintained and we were lucky to see 6 sun bears in their natural habitat. #sunbear #sandakan

Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia, is home to a wonderful nature reserve: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. As one of the world's most famous ecotourism destinations, it is not only a sanctuary for endangered orangutans, but also a dream destination for nature lovers! 🌟 Highlights 1. Orangutan feeding time Twice a day (10:00 am and 3:00 pm), orangutans emerge from the depths of the forest to show off their natural climbing and foraging skills, leaving a lasting impression! • We recommend watching from the viewing platform or boardwalk for the best view! 2. Orangutan rehabilitation training ground The center has a rehabilitation training area for orphaned orangutans. Through a glass fence, visitors can watch them learn climbing, foraging, and survival skills under the guidance of staff, like watching a "growth class" in nature. 3. Diverse wildlife in the forest The center is surrounded by tropical rainforest, and in addition to orangutans, you can also see other animals such as long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and various birds. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the pristine forest. 📍 Details • Address: Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia • Opening hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm daily (feeding times are 10:00 am and 3:00 pm) • Ticket prices: Adults: MYR 30; photography permit: MYR 10. • Transportation: 1. Self-drive: From Sandakan city center, drive along Jalan Labuk for about 25 minutes. 2. Bus or taxi: Take a public bus to Sepilok and walk 10 minutes to the center. 💗 Other tips 1. Dress code: The tropical rainforest is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing breathable, lightweight clothing and bringing mosquito repellent and sunscreen. 2. Keep quiet: Orangutans are sensitive animals, so respect their natural habits and avoid making noise or getting too close. 3. Nearby attractions: • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre: Adjacent to the orangutan center, you can also see the endangered sun bears. • Sandakan Memorial Park: Learn about World War II history and experience nature. 4. Best time to visit: All year round, but avoid the rainy season for a better experience. 💡 Experience highlights Here, you can not only witness the free life of orangutans, but also understand the importance of protecting endangered species. From the forest trails to the feeding platform, every step is like stepping into a nature class, full of emotion and inspiration. This trip will be a beautiful memory of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature!

🌴🌴Are you still worried about where to go for your holiday? Let me recommend a super niche but absolutely stunning destination - Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia! It is not only known as "Little Hong Kong" but also a paradise for nature lovers!🌴🌴 📍📍Location: Sandakan is located on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and is the second largest city in Sabah. It takes only about 1 hour to fly from Kota Kinabalu, which is super convenient!🛫 🐻🐻Must-visit attractions: 1. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre🐻💖 • Recommended rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • This is the world's first sun bear conservation center! Seeing these cute bears that don't hibernate in person is simply heart-melting~ 2. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre🐒🌳 • About 40 minutes' drive from the city center, it is home to 60-80 orangutans! Remember to bring your camera, but you need to pay an extra 10 MYR~ Check out these mischievous orangutans! 3. Rainforest Discovery Centre🌴🔭 • Birdwatching towers and tree bridges in the primeval rainforest, a favorite of photography enthusiasts! Every day, photography masters set up three cameras here, entering this green world! 4. Turtle Islands Park🐢🌊 • The most important turtle nesting and hatching site in Southeast Asia! At night, you can see turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and the magical sight of baby turtles hatching! Witness the hatching journey of baby turtles! 5. Kinabatangan River🏞️🐊 • The largest river in Sabah, where you can see monkeys and small crocodiles on both sides, full of adventure! 🍜🍜Food recommendations: • Seafood: The seafood in Sandakan is fresh and cheap, with fish noodles, fish sticks, and seafood bak kut teh!🐟 • Dry noodles: Traditional breakfast, salty but unique in flavor!🍜 • Cow dung egg tart: Shaped like a flying saucer, with a light texture and a rich and smooth custard filling!🍰 🏨🏨Accommodation recommendations: • Livingston Hotel Sandakan: High cost performance, Chinese-style hotel, and indoor swimming pool! • Sepilok Forest Edge Resort: Beautiful and quiet environment, a favorite of European and American backpackers! 🌈🌈Tips: • Sandakan has a tropical rainforest climate, suitable for travel all year round, but the rainfall is heavy from November to January, so remember to check the weather in advance!🌈 • Sunscreen is a must, the UV rays in Malaysia are no joke!🌞 • Bring some common medicines, such as stomach medicine and cold medicine, just in case!💊 📸📸Finally, don't forget to capture your Sandakan trip with your camera and share it with more friends!

#traveldiaries One of my favourite places to visit, I look to look at sun bears! They are kept in rainforest as it should be, but as its rehabilitation center you are able to see them in natural environment which is amazing environment. Stuff there is very friendly and you can ask them many questions plus! They look around with binoculars and sometimes you are also able to see endangered species of other mammals. Highly recommended.

#myhiddengems Discover the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and meet the world’s smallest bear species. Known for their distinctive golden chest markings and playful personalities, sun bears are vital to their forest ecosystem. The BSBCC is dedicated to protecting these fascinating creatures and their habitat, offering an up-close look at their endearing behaviors and conservation efforts. 📍Address: PPM 219, Elopura, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah 🕰️Operating Hours: 9:00am - 3.30pm (Daily) 💰Entrance Fee: 🔹Malaysian RM10 (Adult) RM5 (2-17 years old) 🔹Non-Malaysian RM50 (Adult) RM25 (2-17 years old) #sunbear #wildlife #nature #sandakan #sabah

In the heart of Sabah, Borneo, Sepilok offers an immersive experience into Malaysia's unique wildlife and lush rainforests. Two standout attractions in this region are the Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Both provide an enriching and educational glimpse into Borneo’s natural heritage. **Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre** The Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of the world’s smallest bear species, the sun bear. As you enter the center, you’re greeted by a blend of educational exhibits and viewing platforms designed to showcase these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The center's focus is on rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears that have been displaced or injured, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. The bears, with their distinctive golden crescent-shaped chest patch, are incredibly endearing. Observing them as they forage, climb, and play provides a rare and intimate look at their behavior. The center’s guided tours are both informative and engaging, offering insights into the challenges faced by sun bears and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The experience not only highlights the importance of preserving sun bears but also underscores broader environmental conservation issues. **Rainforest Discovery Centre** A short drive from the Sun Bear Centre is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a haven for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike. This expansive complex offers a range of activities set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Borneo’s rainforests. Its primary attractions include the canopy walkways and the nature trails. The canopy walkways, suspended high above the forest floor, offer panoramic views of the rainforest's upper layers. As you stroll along these elevated paths, you’ll have the chance to observe a variety of bird species, monkeys, and perhaps even glimpses of elusive reptiles. The thrill of being surrounded by the dense forest canopy, with the distant sounds of wildlife, is an exhilarating experience. The nature trails, on the other hand, provide a more grounded exploration of the rainforest. The centre also features an educational gallery where you can learn about the intricate relationships within the rainforest and ongoing conservation efforts. Both the Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre offer a profound appreciation of Borneo’s natural beauty and the crucial conservation work being done to preserve it. Whether you’re observing the playful antics of sun bears or traversing the towering canopy walkways, Sepilok promises an unforgettable adventure that combines education with the awe of nature. #animalcontact #animalconservation #parksandgardens #forest #couplestrip #outdooradventure #outdooradventures #travelchecklist #localtourguides

Wow! An absolute MUST when you're in Sandakan. I recommend visiting from 9am-3:30pm while they're open and ducking over to the orangutan sanctuary at 10am and 3pm to watch the monkey feeding. The sunbear conservation centre was one of my absolute favourite places. The bears are so ridiculously cute and you can tell they're very well loved and taken care of. The entire staff/animal handlers are extremely kind and knowledgeable about each and every bear as well as sun bears in general. It's such an amazing thing to know that these bears are safe now. There are two viewing platforms where you can see these bears from many different angles. They also tend to hang out around platforms so you'll have no problem seeing them! I also recommend checking out the gift shop, I was able to mail my family a post card directly from here and picked up some cute stickers and a tote! Also note that they accept card payment for entry/the shop! (: enjoy! #travelanywhere #sunbearsafeliving #loveanimals #sandakannature

The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center provides a better home and future for the sun bears that were illegally captured in the past and restores their right to survive in the wild through five concepts: animal welfare, restoration plan, sun bear and ecological education, sun bear research, and ecotourism: