Pusan Point: Home of the First Sunrise in the Philippines

Ever wondered what it's like to be at the edge of a country? To greet the day's first light before anyone else?...

Ever wondered what it's like to be at the edge of a country? To greet the day's first light before anyone else? Then you should visit Pusan Point in the Caraga municipality of Davao Oriental, the country's "Sunrise Capital." Pusan Point is nestled on a 40-foot-high rugged promontory with a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean. Its facilities, including a museum and an observatory, allow visitors to delve into the region's rich history and gain a deeper appreciation for nature's brilliance and wonder.

Pusan Point the eastern edge of the Philippines.

Easternmost Part of the Philippines

Pusan Point is in Barangay Santiago, within the municipality of Caraga, Davao Oriental province. Geographically, it's the easternmost point of the Philippines. In the early 1900s, the only structure in the area was a lone lighthouse providing navigational assistance to boatmen passing by.

What's left of the sunrise on a drizzly rainy morning in Caraga.

Site of the Millennium Sunrise

It was at the turn of the millennium that Pusan Point gained prominence when it became the site for the "Millennium Sunrise" on January 1, 2000—the first sunrise of the century in the Philippines. To commemorate the event, a 16-foot Jubilee Cross was erected at the site. This event also earned the Caraga municipality the moniker of "Sunrise Capital" of the Philippines. Their tourism slogan, "Rise and Shine Caraga," also highlights this momentous event. As a fun fact, the sunrise in Caraga is eight minutes earlier than in Manila.

The Jubilee Cross

Pusan Point Discovery Center and Eco-Park

To develop the site as a tourism attraction, the Pusan Point Discovery Center and Eco-Park was built and opened in 2016. It was a project by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental under the guidance of then-Governor Corazon Nuñez Malanyaon, who saw the area's tourism potential. The park features a sundial, an amphitheater, a discovery center, and a pool, aside from the rugged cliffs and Jubilee Cross.

Amphitheater and sundial

The Mandaya Heritage Museum

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the park had to close. I visited in late 2023 as the pandemic was easing, and there were plans to re-open the park in a few months. On May 23, 2024, Pusan Point finally reopened its doors with the inauguration of the Mandaya Heritage Museum, which was formerly the Discovery Center. This change was made to highlight the rich traditions and culture of the indigenous Mandaya people of Davao Oriental. It was a fitting experience during my visit, as I was welcomed by an immersive dance and song performed by Mandaya tribe members.

A giant sundial

Nature, Science, and Heritage at Pusan Point

Seeing the first sunlight of the day in a country was already mind-blowing, but being able to enjoy the view of the rugged landscape, crashing waves, and the endless Pacific Ocean, and marveling at the gigantic sundial at Pusan Point, was quite extraordinary. I heard dolphins are common visitors passing by the area. Pusan Point isn't just a scenic spot to witness the sunrise; it's a place to experience nature, science, and learn about the local culture.

Essential Information

Pusan Point usually opens before sunrise and closes around 5 p.m. There is an entrance fee of Php 50–75.

A plump zebra dove at Pusan Point

How to get to Pusan Point?

Getting to Pusan Point requires a bit of effort due to several transfers, especially if you're commuting. There are a couple of entry points: Davao City and Mati City.

• From Davao City: Ride a bus going to Cateel or Baganga at the Davao Ecoland Bus Terminal. Buses like Bachelor Express pass by Barangay Santiago in Caraga. Travel time is usually four to five hours, and the fare is around Php 500.
• From Mati City: Ride a bus going to Cateel or Baganga. Since Mati is closer, travel time is only 2.5 to three hours.
• From Santiago Junction: Hire a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Pusan Point, which is 15–20 minutes away. Negotiate the price; sometimes, the driver can wait for you for around Php 400–500.

A flock of White-breasted woodswallows