MarketingThe endangered wildlife species fronts Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Meet Malaysia’s newest tourism star: Malayan Sun Bear

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Tourism Malaysia has spotlighted a range of key locations countrywide to see the Malayan Sun Bear.
Tourism Malaysia has spotlighted a range of key locations countrywide to see the Malayan Sun Bear. Photo Credit: iStock/Cede Prudente

Visitors heading to Malaysia will be seeing more of the Malayan Sun Bear – the official icon for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) and a symbol of the country’s commitment to wildlife preservation.

The species is already showing up at major tourism spots and events in the form of giant plushies Wira and Manja, the official mascots of VM2026.

To see one in real life, Tourism Malaysia has spotlighted a range of key locations countrywide, housed in safe and protected environments, including:

  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sandakan, Sabah

  • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah

  • Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak

  • Zoo Taiping and Night Safari, Perak

  • Lost World of Tambun, Perak

  • Zoo Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

  • 99 Wonderland Park, Kuala Lumpur

  • Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park, Selangor

  • Zoo Melaka, Melaka

  • A' Famosa Safari Wonderland, Malacca

  • Johor Zoo, Johor Bahru

  • Kemaman Zoo and Recreation Park, Terengganu

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