“The first light doesn’t always reveal itself—but the journey to find it often reveals you.”
A Sunrise Worth Chasing
Yes, Pusan Point is officially the first place in the Philippines to catch the sunrise. But whether you see that perfect sun cresting the ocean’s horizon depends on more than timing—it depends on luck, too.
Coming from Campawan Falls in Baganga, I made my way straight to Pusan Point in Caraga. The drive took about three hours, including stops for lunch and quick roadside views. From Caraga town proper, it’s another 30–45 minutes uphill via a winding coastal road. I arrived in the late afternoon—just in time to scout, not shoot.
More Than Just a View Deck
Pusan Point turned out to be more than I expected. Once a privately run resort, the area now includes:
- A modern science museum with conference halls and billet rooms
- A swimming pool beside the museum
- An iconic lighthouse and a large cross
- A giant sundial symbolizing its claim as “First Light, First Sight” in the Philippines
Despite these features, there are no accommodations for tourists on site. That’s an irony, considering that sunrise—the main event—requires visitors to be here well before dawn. Being 25 km away from Caraga’s town proper adds another layer of difficulty.
After politely declining a homestay offer from the park manager, I drove back to Caraga. I was lucky enough to find a basic homestay near the town center, as there were no formal hotels or inns.
The Early Drive Back
At 4:30 AM the next day, I made the return trip. Driving through steep, cliffside roads in darkness is not for the faint of heart, even on paved roads. Sharp turns, no lights, and sheer drop-offs made the drive tense. But the hope of witnessing the first sunrise kept me going.
I positioned myself and my camera on the elevated sunrise deck, unsure of the exact spot where the sun would rise.
And then… clouds. A thick layer hovered over the horizon, muting the main event. The sun never made its dramatic entrance.
Still Worth the Wait
Though I didn’t see the sun break through, I embraced the changing hues of light. Subtle gradients of orange and blue began to glow above the sea. Sometimes, the absence of spectacle is its own kind of peace.
Maybe it wasn’t my time yet to witness the first light—but I saw enough to know I’ll be back.
Hopefully, next time, there’ll be a place to stay just a little closer to the sunrise.
Filed under: Mindful Frames | Hiking & Trails — for seekers of quiet beginnings and light that arrives in its own time.
