Sabah's smallest bear
Bornean Sun Bear
Helarctos malayanus euryspilus
The sun bear is the world's smallest bear. Watch rescued bears at Sepilok or look for their signs in Sabah's primary rainforests.
Species profile
The Bornean subspecies
The Bornean sun bear is an endemic subspecies and the smallest bear in the world. Their reduced size is a highly specialised evolutionary advantage that allows them to scale the colossal smooth trunks of emergent trees to reach food.
They have dextrous paws and an exceptionally long tongue extending up to 25 cm. Their striking pale-yellow to orange chest mark against their dark fur serves a vital evolutionary purpose, functioning as a visual signalling mechanism for recognition.
The Sepilok conservation centre
You can watch over 40 rescued bears foraging in the forest enclosures at the conservation centre in Sepilok, near Sepilok Jungle Resort. The best time to watch is mid-morning from 9am to 11:30am when temperatures are cooler and the bears actively climb trees or excavate logs.
Wild sun bear habitats
A wild sun bear in its natural habitat is seen with luck. They are solitary and notoriously elusive. Focus on extended night drives in Deramakot Forest Reserve or Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
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Tabin Wildlife Reserve
A 122,500-hectare lowland reserve bordered by oil palm, Tabin is Sabah’s premier destination for night drives. The sharp forest edge concentrates small cats and civets along the boundary roads.
Sepilok
25 kilometres west of Sandakan, the Sepilok complex holds Sabah's principal orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres, set on the edge of a protected dipterocarp forest reserve.
Species profile
Enquire directly
Tell the team if seeing a wild Bornean sun bear on a night drive is the main priority for your Sabah itinerary.