Spoiling yourself with a lie-in is certainly a luxury while on holiday. Yet, sometimes, there are things worth setting your alarm for and getting out of bed at an ungodly hour, such as watching the sky streak with glorious colors. When combined with the extra backdrop of some breathtaking natural marvels or historic sites, like these cool destinations in Southeast Asia, the spectacle becomes even more memorable.
1. Mount Bromo, Indonesia
The large archipelagic country of Indonesia is full of surreal landscapes that will take your breath away. Topping the list is Mount Bromo, a rugged and ashy volcano bordered by a cluster of extinct volcanoes and a sea of shimmering black sand, forming a spectacular, massive massif 2,200 meters above sea level.
A typical sunrise trip begins with a jeep ride to a designated viewpoint (Mount Penanjakan, King Kong Hill, or Seruni Point), followed by a stop to observe a sea of undulating black sand. Thrill enthusiasts can also climb to the rim of Bromo Crater, which stands at 133 meters.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Nestled in the temple town of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the world’s largest religious structure; it’s also a national symbol of Cambodia’s past and present. Visitors gather here each day to see the impressive architecture and delicate carvings, and for many, watching a sunrise at the fabled Angkor Wat is a bucket list experience. Come here early, at around 5:30 am, and you will see the sky gradually painted with pink and orange hues behind the tower-like spires and artistic bas-reliefs come alive beneath the egg yolk sun.
3. Inle Lake, Myanmar
With an age-old and fascinating indigenous culture put together breathtaking nature, Inle Lake is one of the most iconic wonders, which is a must for any Myanmar tours. Rise early and paddle a traditional canoe out onto the lake’s still dark waters to welcome a new day. The tranquilly reflective waters, the incredible leg-rowing fishermen, the floating gardens and villages, monasteries on stilts, all set against a stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains. It’s a paradise for early birds and photographers.
4. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Set in northeastern Vietnam with over 2,000 small and large limestone islands, Halong Bay is a tourism mecca that only an overnight cruise trip can showcase its magical beauty to the fullest. Once afloat, you should not miss the sunrise and sunset moments from the Halong Bay cruise deck. The sun rises over the Gulf of Tonkin and sets behind a myriad of verdant islets scattered across emerald-green waters, making it a sight to behold for fantastic photographs. Then keep the shutter open for a little longer, and you will experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the blue hour between dusk and darkness.
5. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu is a heaven for those in search of adventure, and reaching its summit, the Low’s Peak, at the dizzying heights is an experience of a lifetime for any sunrise chasers. Located inside the lush, green Kinabalu National Park, Mount Kinabalu is considered conquerable by most people. The climb with a mountain guide will take two days, beginning with a five-hour trek to the halfway house on the first day, followed by a 2 a.m. start the next day for a four-hour hike in the dark to the Low's Peak. Navigate vast, jagged rock faces and sloping pathways to the summit, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular sight to behold.
6. Borobudur, Indonesia
Rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, Central Java is a popular bucket-list destination of the archipelagic country of Indonesia. For an impressive sunrise experience, head south to Borobudur Temple on the boundary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. As the world’s largest Buddhist site, Borobudur is one of the most important archaeological and spiritual monuments in Southeast Asia, together with Myanmar's ancient Bagan and Cambodia's huge Angkor Wat. Every morning its nine impressively stacked platforms become a great vantage point to bask in the first sun rays behind Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes.
7. Marina Bay, Singapore
Treating yourself to a well-deserved late rise when in Singapore is understandable since you’re on vacation and the city’s nightlife can be rather appealing. However, a morning person will know how whimsical it is to witness the sun’s ascent behind the futuristic landscape of Marina Bay and turn the sky a tangerine color. The best spot for this sight is at Merlion Park, where you can enjoy a stroll to the waterfront walkway along Marina Bay Sands through the cutting-edge Helix Bridge.
8. Chocolate Hills, Philippines
Chocolate Hills, located in the eco-tourism center Bohol, is a gorgeous rolling terrain carpeted with about 1,700 cone-shaped or dome-shaped mounds. The hillocks, which range in height from 30 to 50 meters, are covered in green grass that becomes chocolate-like brown during the dry months of November to May. At sunrise, the 50-square-kilometer region looks like a thousand truffles crafted for giants. After seeing the beautiful vista from the Chocolate Hills Viewpoint Observation Deck, visitors can participate in a variety of activities at the nearby Adventure Park. Zip biking to view the unique knolls is highly recommended.
9. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
Phuket’s pristine sand stretches and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay beckon sunseekers from all over. The bay’s idyllic network of waterways and mangrove forests covers more than 400 square kilometers dotted with scores of limestone formations, notably Koh Tapu, better known as James Bond Island. To watch the marvelous bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, take an easy 20-minute hike to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, which is only a two-hour drive from Phuket.
There are a lot more wonderful places in Southeast Asia where thrill seekers can enjoy an awe-inspiring sunrise. If you desire one of these locations in your next trip, tell us your choice, number of participants, and your preferred trip dates, and our Southeast Asia travel consultants will build a tailored and one-of-a-kind holiday experience for you that will really reveal the essence of Southeast Asia.
