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  • Sub bear climbing, Borneo

Everything you need to know about seeing Sun bears on safari

Bornean sun bears are extremely rare, and as such, you are unlikely to see them in the wild. We have access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) where you can support conservation efforts, and see these adorable animals in a natural environment.

 

The BSBCC is the only conservation centre for sun bears in the world; they provide care for rescued bears and aim to increase awareness of them across the globe. At the centre you can see these inquisitive animals up close and watch on as they play, feed, fight and interact with each other. The bears are charming and this really is an unforgettable experience.

 

For more information on wildlife in Borneo, check out our wildlife page.

 

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• Browse our Borneo holidays
• Contact our Borneo Destination Specialist for advice

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Sun bear closeup, Borneo
Sun bear climbing, Borneo
Sun bear walking, Borneo

Close encounters

The best way to see sun bears is in the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can learn about them and meet them in rehabilitation.

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Tree-climbing

Sun bears spend most of their time in the trees, where they get a great view of the dense forests.

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Conservation

There is so little data on these stocky little bears, that we don't know their exact conservation status. Due to dwindling habitats, the worst is feared.

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expert view: jessica tiffin

expert view: jessica tiffin

One of the most precious moments for me was seeing the smallest and second rarest bear in the world, the Sun Bear, just meters away in the safe haven of Mr. Wong’s conservation centre. The large protected area of forest does a good job of rehabilitating and protecting the confiscated and orphaned bears that have been brought here. 


Sub bear climbing, Borneo

the sun bear

Named after the crest on their chests, sun bears are the smallest of the bear species and are totally unique in that as well as being adapted to jungle living, they are completely tree-dwelling. These bears are so rarely seen in the wild, that little is known about exactly how many are left in the wild, but we do know they are drastically decreasing along with their habitat.


They have short, sleek, glossy coats, a light coloured face and short muzzle. Their long claws help them climb and break hollow logs in search of termites, they also have strong teeth which have been seen helping to haul them up large trunks. Strangely, these bears which are thought to be diurnal, have been seen adapting more nocturnal behaviours to avoid human confrontation.


Growing human development means that sun bears are now being found in just a handful of isolated habitats.


Heading to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is the best way to see them in the wild and help with their conservation and awareness.

sun bear facts

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CONSERVATION STATUS Sun bears are considered vulnerable, but there is no real count on how many remain in the wild. Dues to being so small, they are often poached for the illegal pet trade.
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HABITAT They nest high in the trees of the thick jungle.
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LENGTH Males can grow up to 3.9 feet in length, when standing on their hind legs.
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INTERESTING FACT Sun bears have long tongues that can reach up to 25 centimetres; it is used to extract grubs and honey.

Our Favourite Sun Bear Safaris

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Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. 

Clouded leopard, Borneo

Your Next Steps

Talk to one of our specialists for further details on travelling to Borneo.