Yidian CheowNo pain, no gain, and few rewards are as spectacular as greeting the dawn from a mountaintop. In 2025, hiking has evolved with the rise of eco-friendly trail initiatives, real-time weather alerts via mobile apps and community-led conservation efforts, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure.
While peaks like Mount Rinjani and Mount Kinabalu still draw crowds, this guide shines a light on six lesser-known, sunrise-worthy mountains in Southeast Asia that promise fewer tourists, richer local encounters and truly unforgettable vistas. So, whether you’re tracking cloudsea from the Philippines’ highest summit or savouring a cityscape sunrise from Singapore’s doorstep, there’s a trail here to suit every level of experience, and every sense of adventure!
Also read: 11 Mountains in Southeast Asia with the Most Incredible Views
1. Mount Apo, Philippines
Image credit: Lheoreg via Wikimedia Commons
Where: Near the city of Davao, Mindanao
Elevation: 2,954m
Duration of hike: 3–4 days
In Tagalog, Apo means grandfather, so you can certainly think of Mount Apo as the “grandfather of all mountains”. True to its namesake, it is the highest mountain in Philippines. There are multiple routes up the mountain, but the Kidapawan Route is widely regarded as the easiest way up. Throughout the trek, you will traverse through rocky terrains, dense rainforest, hot springs and grassland. Oh, did I forget to mention, there’s a killer “87-degree” slope too?
2. Mount Fansipan, Vietnam
Image credit: NKSTTSSHNVN via Wikimedia Commons
Where: Near the town of Sapa, Northern Vietnam
Elevation: 3,143m
Duration of hike: 2–3 days
Mount Fansipan is aptly named the “Roof of Indochina”, due to its accolade of being the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. A cable car system connecting Sapa to the summit in a mere 20 minutes is available, but why take the easy way out? Beat the crowd, get your boots dirty, and work those thigh muscles by trekking the mountain today!
3. Gunung Merapi, Indonesia
Image credit: Yidian Cheow | Flickr
Where: Near the city of Yogyakarta, Java
Elevation: 2,930m
Duration of hike: 8 hours return
Lying along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is a hotbed for seismic activities, and one of the most active and deadliest volcanoes in the country is Gunung Merapi. The last major eruption in 2010 shortened its height by 38m, and tragically killed 353 people in the process. If you are looking to cheat death and witness one of the most spectacular sunrises in your life, then you should definitely climb the treacherous slopes of Gunung Merapi in the wee hours of the morning!
4. Bukit Tabur, Malaysia
Image Credit: Adrian Cuyugan | Flickr
Where: Near the capital city of Kuala Lumpur
Elevation: <500m
Duration of hike: 4 hours return
Being a quartz ridge, Bukit Tabur is also known as the “Crystal Hill”. However, the hike is not as glamorous as the name suggests. In climbing up the near-vertical rocky slopes, fatal accidents have occurred. However, if you remain alert and exercise caution, you will reach the summit fine. Once up top, pat yourself on the back and wait for the stunning sunrise over the Klang Gates Reservoir.
Also Read: 10 Mountains to Climb in Malaysia With the Most Incredible Views
5. Phu Chi Fa, Thailand
Image Credit: On My BigFoot | Flickr
Where: Near the town of Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
Altitude: 1,442m
Duration of hike: 1 hour return from the base car park
Bordering Thailand and Laos, Phu Chi Fa, the “mountain that points to the sky”, is famous for its sunrise vista over a “sea of mist”. With the golden rays of the waking sun illuminating the low-hanging clouds, it is hard to fathom why this mountain isn’t as popular as it should be. Oh well, all the better! Visit it soon while it still remains a well-kept secret.
6. Mount Faber, Singapore
Image credit: Cattan2011 | Flickr
Where: Walking distance from Harbourfront MRT
Elevation: 105m
Duration of hike: 1 hour return
The shortest mountain on the list, Mount Faber is suited for those who do not wish to go to great lengths to see a sunrise. Although short in stature, it does not lack in the aesthetics department either. After a 30 minutes leisure climb, you will be treated to a sunrise over the skyscrapers of the Central Business District, the bustling maritime port and the uniquely Singaporean HDB flats.
Ready, Steady, Summit!
From the “grandfather” peak of Mount Apo to the urban lookout of Mount Faber, these sunrise-worthy mountains in Southeast Asia deliver far more than an early-morning glow: they offer a chance to support sustainable tourism, engage with local communities and test your limits on trails that have been carefully reopened and maintained in recent years.
Before you lace up your boots, check regional travel advisories, pack layers for unexpected weather shifts and download the latest trail-tracking app. Then, share your own hidden-gem recommendations below and inspire fellow travellers to seek out the spectacular silhouettes of sunrise-ready summits across this breathtaking region. Safe climbs and stunning horizons await!
Also Read: Top 10 Hiking Getaways From Singapore
