Wildlife

Sun Bear Experiences

est. population 1,000
status vulnerable

The smallest of all the bears, the sun bear is the second rarest bear species after the giant panda, and the only bears found in 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.


The sun bears at the centre each have such different personalities, it is impossible not to be enchanted by their antics.

sun bear safari callery

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

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. 


When you notice a shaking bush or moving blob on a tree, it’s with utter joy that you turn to watch these fluffy, beady eyed, pigeon toed creatures shuffling across the floor foraging for insects, or making a slow wide legged ascent up a tree to hunt for honey, with its long 25cm tongue curling about in the air!

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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