Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Text by Siew Te Wong

The second phase of BSBCC developmental plan involves three components:

1) The upgrading of the access road to the 1st new bear house;

2) The access boardwalk from the car park all the way to the forest observation platform;

3) The forest observation platform where visitors can view sun bears in the natural enclosure.

These constructions were kindly funded by the Ministry of Tourism of the Malaysia Federal Malaysia Government (MOTOUR) via Sabah Wildlife Department. The construction begun last September 2011 and finally completed on May 2012. July 14th is a big day for BSBCC as the official handling over of the construction from the contractor to BSBCC and to the Sabah Wildlife Department. A little “ribbon cutting” ceremony was taken part on that day.  Md Jum Rafia, Deputy Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Md Sylvia Alsisto, the Superintendent of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and myself who represent BSBCC cut the ribbon symbolized the completion of the construction project.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism (MOTUOR) for their kind support, Sabah Wildlife Department, Arkitek Summaz, Perunding Menara Sdn Bhd., Konsultant LCF, Dayana Enterprise, and Arkitrek for making this project possible. Together we make this project possible! Thank you all!    

The observation platform is sure a good place to view sun bears in their forest enclosure. Photo credit: Cede Prudente