The best places in the world to watch the sunrise

Some sights are worth setting your alarm for. Just imagine Rome’s ancient monuments bathed in a soft morning glow, or the first rays of light hitting Australia’s sacred Uluru. Here, we’ve rounded up six of the world’s most breathtaking destinations to catch the sunrise, either by taking a leisurely walk or an invigorating hike. 

Planning for an epic hiking adventure? Be sure to sign up for our Wellness Journey, because these trails are the perfect way to rack up your miles with our new Hike Towards Miles challenge where you can earn up to 150 by hiking a total of 700 minutes across 50 days.

Uluru, Australia

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock , is an incredible sandstone formation in Australia’s “Red Centre”. With walking trails and observation platforms scattered around the site, Uluru is a spectacle from every angle – and even more so at daybreak. As the first rays of sun hit the rock, its colour changes from deep red to orange to pink, while the view of the surrounding desert in the pale light is no less impressive.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

It might be an active volcano, but that doesn’t stop visitors from flocking to Mount Bromo in East Java to enjoy magnificent views of its crater, complete with swirling clouds of vapour. A hike up to the viewing point at the summit from the nearby village of Cemoro Lawang usually takes around 90 minutes, but early risers will have their efforts paid off: the ethereal beauty of Mount Bromo and the surrounding mountain range at dawn is a sight to remember for a lifetime.  

Grand Canyon, United States

An immense gorge winding through the Arizona desert, the Grand Canyon is well deserving of its place among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The view from the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West offers perhaps the best vantage point of the epic natural landmark itself but watching the sunrise here is something else. The play of light and shadow on the steep-sided canyon adds more  drama to an already otherworldly terrain. Explore the area on foot or enjoy the ultimate bird’s-eye view by helicopter. 

Janiculum Hill, Italy

Almost in the very heart of Rome, Janiculum Hill is the Italian capital’s highest vantage point and affords excellent views of its most famous landmarks, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. The comparatively easy – and peaceful – 20-minute climb to Janiculum offers a particularly magical atmosphereat first light, when the eternal city below slowly wakes up awash in shifting hues of pink, purple, and orange. 

Alishan, Taiwan China

This Taiwanese mountain range in the central region of the island is famous for its “Five Wonders”: lush forests, thick blankets of clouds, a scenic railway, epic sunsets and best of all, heavenly sunrises. There are many hiking trails in the area, but the most popular route for a sunrise hike is the Zhushan Sunrise Trail, which leads to a designated observation deck. As the sun emerges over the hills, giving them a golden tinge, the scene is truly poetic – and arguably one of the best sunrises you’ll ever see.

Sunset Peak, Hong Kong SAR

Despite its name, Sunset Peak on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island might just be loveliest at dawn. A hike there takes two-to-three hours and is moderately challenging, but extremely rewarding. Once you reach its peak, you’ll be able to take in the 360-degree panorama of the South China Sea and its smatterings of islands, as well as the glittering urban skyline further in distance. Visit in the autumn to watch the seemingly endless fields of silver grass that cover the mountain shimmering under the rising sun. 

If you’re heading abroad to conquer on one of these hikes, or have been inspired to take on a trail a little closer to home, it's a good idea to be prepared, in every sense of the word. Not only can you grab all your hiking essentials online when you shop with Cathay, but you can protect yourself from injury with our Cigna health and Chubb travel insurance options, too.

Hero image: Getty images