Contributed by The Backpack Couple
On the 1st of January 2000, this particular site along the coast of Davao Oriental facing the Pacific Ocean was the setting of a grand spectacle. Hundreds of local and even foreign tourists are said to have gathered here to have a glimpse of the first sunrise of the new millennium. Almost two decades later, many people visiting the province are still not familiar that in the town of Caraga, about an hour drive north of the capital, the sun rises first in the Philippines at Pusan Point.
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Image credit: Province of Davao Oriental
Pusan Point is around 9 kilometres or about a 15-minute drive from the national highway going east towards the coast. It is part of Barangay Santiago of the Municipality of Caraga which is considered as one of the oldest settlements in the whole of Mindanao. Due to its geographical location, Pusan Point is actually the easternmost inland point of the Philippines. So on our Davao Oriental trip, we made it a point to check out this particular site.
A few days before our visit, we saw an update from the Davao Oriental Province Facebook page that a new facility was recently launched in the area. The accompanying photos of that post particularly made us excited that there is more to the sunrise and view in Pusan; it is now a full-fledged park with a science centre, thus the name, Pusan Point Eco Park and Science Discovery Centre. And we are glad that we are one of the few visitors from outside Mindanao to experience the place.
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Image credit: Province of Davao Oriental
Image credit: Province of Davao Oriental
To mark the Millennium Sunrise, a Jubilee Cross was erected right along its rugged limestone cliffs. An old lighthouse was also standing there before it was replaced by a modern one.
What to do
Aside from the bragging rights to have set foot in the country’s easternmost front, the location is just perfect for your selfies, Instagram posts and photo shoots from all angles.
After strolling along the cliffs and rock formations, one could explore the newly built Science Centre (it was closed to the public during our visit).
Image credit: Province of Davao Oriental
A swimming pool was also built right beside the building while a viewing deck gives a clear view of the ocean. I believe that accommodations would be put in place soon. As of our visit, entrance is still free.
Conclude your stay with fresh buko juice and refreshments from the stalls outside the gates. This visit also completed our aim of conquering the Four Cornerstone Provinces of the Philippines.
Getting there
The easiest way to reach Pusan Point is through Mati City. If coming from Davao, take a three-hour van ride to Mati. At the terminal, transfer to another van or bus (Bachelor Express or Mallen Bus) bound for Baganga or Cateel. Tell the driver to drop you off at Pusan Point in Barangay Santiago, Caraga. Travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes and fare is about ₱100 per pax. If coming from Cateel, take a Mati-bound van for about 2 hours and alight at Pusan Point (after Caraga town proper).
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From the Pusan Point crossing, motorcycles or habal-habal are readily available to bring you to the park for about 15 minutes along a paved road passing through lush coconut vegetation. You can contact Kuya Joel (09265212208) to ferry you to the park. Their house is right at the corner of the intersection. Fare is ₱100 per pax round-trip.
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Where to stay
Pending the completion of accommodations at the park, the nearest comfortable stay would be in Mati (Dahican Beach or city proper) or Baganga. Visiting the site, however, could be done in half a day.
For queries and information about Pusan Point and getting to Davao Oriental’s must see attractions, check out the Province of Davao Oriental’s website and their Facebook page.
*Thanks to the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental for allowing us to use some of their photos.
