Sun Bear

About the Sun Bear

The smallest bear species in the world, with short, sleek black fur, a pale muzzle and a distinctive pale chest patch. Named for the sun-like chest marking, or possibly for its habit of basking. The chest pattern is genuinely individual — a published photo-identification study found it stable over multiple years and distinguishable between individuals with over 90% agreement among independent observers, making it a workable natural 'fingerprint' for telling bears apart.

Cathemeral rather than strictly nocturnal — both day and night activity have been documented, and behaviour appears to shift with the level of human disturbance in an area. Uses powerful claws to tear open rotten logs and termite mounds, and to raid bee nests for honey — a favoured food that gives it the alternative name 'honey bear'. Sightings are opportunistic on both day and night drives.

Hunted for its gall bladder and paws in parts of its range, and affected by deforestation.

How to recognise a sun bear

The smallest of the world's bears, with short, sleek black fur, a pale buff muzzle and a pale chest patch that is usually described as crescent- or horseshoe-shaped. The patch differs from bear to bear, which is why researchers can use it to tell individuals apart. Other clues are a very long tongue used to reach into termite nests and bee hives, long curved claws, and a loose, baggy-looking skin around the neck.

Sun bears climb well and feed high in fruiting trees, so a dark shape up a tree at night may be a bear or a binturong. On the ground it is easy: a binturong has a long, thick tail and a sun bear has no visible tail. Up a tree it is harder, because both give a similar green eyeshine, so wait until you can see the tail. The tail is what settles it.

Where to see sun bears in Borneo

Sepilok is the dependable option. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a separate site from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, open from 9am to 3.30pm, and cares for rescued bears that cannot be released. It is the one place on this list where seeing a sun bear is close to certain.

In the wild, sightings are sparse everywhere. Deramakot is the best place to see a wild sun bear, with sightings reaching double figures in a year. Tabin, Maliau Basin and Danum Valley follow in that order. Night drives and night walks are the best way to look.

When to look for sun bears

There is no reliable month for sun bears. What does help is fruit: when a particular tree species is fruiting, bears gather to feed and several sightings can come within a single week. Ask your guide which trees are fruiting.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears in Borneo?

Yes. The sun bear is the only bear species on Borneo, and it is the smallest bear in the world.

How big is a sun bear?

Adults weigh roughly 25 to 65 kg and measure about 100 to 140 cm from head to body, which is much smaller than other bears.

Why is it called a sun bear?

It is named for the pale chest patch, which is often compared to a rising or setting sun. It is also called the honey bear because it raids bee nests.

Where is the best place to see sun bears in Borneo?

For a near-certain sighting, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre at Sepilok. For wild bears, Deramakot is the best place, followed by Tabin, Maliau Basin and Danum Valley. Sightings are sparse, so treat any sighting as a bonus.

Are sun bears dangerous?

They can be, but attacks on people are very rare. If you are lucky enough to see one, keep a safe distance and let your guide decide how close to go.