Best Sunrise Treks in Asia
Sunrises look great from the ground, but ever wondered what the view would be like from atop a mountain? We’ve got five of the best sunrise climbs on this side of the world for you to try out!
Majestic sunrise views at the crack of dawn atop a mountain that you conquered over a night (or two) – if you want this to be the highlight of your next trip, consider taking part in one of the following sunrise climbs!
Mount Batur – Bali, Indonesia
Fitness level: Low to average
Climb duration: One night (about 2hrs for the ascent)
Sunrise from Mt Batur / CC by 3.0 / Daniel Gottlieb
This active volcano in Bali – located near the popular, also climbable Mount Agung – is a great option for those inexperienced with trekking up mountains.
The climb is relatively short and easy, and doesn’t require an overnight stay. You simply start out just past midnight the night before and reach the peak in about two hours – in time for a beautiful sunrise on the summit.
Mount Batur is located in the middle of two calderas (volcanic craters) which make for a spectacular natural landscape.
Mount Kinabalu – Sabah, Malaysia
Fitness level: Average
Climb duration: Two days, one night
Sunrise at Mt Kinabalu / CC by 3.0 / Kevin Wasilin
One of the highest mountains in south-east Asia, Mount Kinabalu is famous for its summit views which draw climbers from all over the world.
A typical climb on the popular Low’s Peak circuit starts off covering about 6km over five hours on the first day, bringing you to Laban Rata where there are several guesthouses to rest for a few hours overnight. The climb continues early the next morning – just past midnight – in time to reach the peak before sunrise.
Mount Rinjani – Lombok, Indonesia
Fitness level: Very fit
Climb duration: Three to four days
Gunung Rinjani / CC by 3.0 / Rosino
Due to the physical challenges the climb poses, Mount Rinjani – the second highest active volcano in Indonesia – requires some experience and/or a high level of fitness to conquer and is not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
The view from the summit is, of course, stunning – but many are happy enough to stop at the crater rim around 1000m below the summit. The crater rim takes about two days to reach and is an amazing experience in itself!
Mount Fuji – Honshu, Japan
Fitness level: Average
Climb duration: Two days, one night
Taking pictures on Mt Fuji / CC by 3.0 / SteFou!
Overnight climbs on Mount Fuji are increasingly popular, so be prepared to join many other trekkers on your way up to view the sunrise at the peak. In fact, it may be advisable to plan your climb during the more popular climbing season from July/August, as you’re surrounded by more experienced climbers.
There are a total of 10 ‘stations’ – the first station is at the foot and the 10th is at the peak. The first station offers a paved road path up to the fifth station. There are four fifth stations, all on different sides of the mountain.
Most climbers start their ascent from one of these four stations and make their way up the mountain over one or two days, depending on their experience and fitness levels.
Sunrise from Mt Fuji 9th station / CC by 3.0 / bakkenrecord
Jade Mountain – Taiwan
Fitness level: High (one-day hike), moderate (two-day hike)
Climb duration: One to two days, depending on your fitness level
CC by 3.0 / 白士 李
The highest peak in eastern Asia, Jade Mountain offers climbers a more strenuous option of scaling the peak in just one day or a more manageable two-day split.
The route up the mountain is gradual and generally manageable, only getting steeper towards the end just before the peak. The view, once you reach the peak, is mesmerising – watch the sky light up in sunrise hues of orange and red above the mountainous landscape and over the Pacific Ocean.
Feature Image: Azlan DuPree / CC by 3.0