Top 10 magnificent sunrise spots

We hate to be cliche', but getting up early
while on holiday has its benefits. Check out one of these
ten top spots to enjoy a sunrise. Original list by Cheapflights.com - but we couldn't resist adding in Sodwana Bay, along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

1. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, USA - Photo by Shutterstock

Boarding a bus in the wee hours of morning is a pain, particularly on
vacation when the greatest indulgence is sleeping in. But the
alarm-clock acknowledgement is worth it if the payoff is watching a
sunrise from above the clouds, on the top of a volcano. Various van
tours offer the trip through Haleakala National Park in Maui, picking
visitors up at 3 a.m. and dropping them off to see the event from the
summit. Should you want to (and we highly recommend it), you can bike
the 28 miles down the mountain, back to sea level.

2. Svalbard, Norway photo by Shutterstock

The sun doesn't set in Svalbard-at least not between mid-April and
late August each year. It's obvious, then, why the sun rising holds an
almost magical appeal for visitors. Situated north of the Arctic Circle,
the northernmost inhabited spot on the planet features the midnight
sun, a phenomenon where the sun stays continuously in the sky for 24
hours a day. Glaciers and mountains clutter Svalbard's horizon, painting
a landscape that merely enhances the event.

3. Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia - photo by Shutterstock

Angkor Wat any time of day is powerful, but arriving early enough to
watch the sunrise offers visitors an even greater spectacle. The
preserved temple attracts travellers to Cambodia from around the world,
providing them architectural insight into Khmer and Hindu mythology and
history. We advise that visitors dedicate more than a day to exploring
the sacred grounds (and that one of those days begins before dawn).

4. Fiji - photo by Shutterstock

Smack dab on the 180-degree longitude line, Fiji is one of the first
spots in the world to see the sun rise every day. The South Pacific
destination, a favourite among lovers of turquoise seas and white-sand
beaches (and who isn't), offers unrivalled scenery and inspirational
landscapes. Itinerary tip: Follow an intoxicating sunrise up with a
morning exploration; the "soft coral capital of the world" offers some
of the best scuba diving in the world.

5. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - photo by Shutterstock

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is on practically every adventure
traveller's to-do list. With the enormous undertaking comes a chance to
see one of the most enchanting sunrises in the world. From Kili's
summit-19,341 feet above sea level-dedicated souls can reflect on their
ascent, a massive accomplishment, while soaking up an unparalleled sight
to see.

6. Stonehenge, England - photo by Shutterstock

Equinox devotees will gather every year for the Vernal Equinox. A
place of sun worship still, Stonehenge is a mysterious destination that
holds deep spiritual value for many travellers. Some researchers suggest
the formation was erected as early as 2200 BC, while others argue it
was even earlier, in 3000 BC. No matter the date of creation, Stonehenge
is a powerful landmark, and well worth the visit for a beautiful-and
perhaps magical-sunrise.

7. Tres Cruces, Peru - photo by Shutterstock

A six-hour bus ride from Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, Tres
Cruces is undeniably worth the long trek. The Incas held the mountain
spot, situated on the Amazon basin, sacred. Nowadays, it's visitors
looking to experience a mind-blowing sunrise who sanctify the
destination. The view famously boasts celestial hues and Polaroid
moments from above the clouds.

8. Tulum, Mexico - photo Shutterstock

The coastal oasis of Tulum draws spiritual travellers and yoga-types
year-round to soak up exquisite culture, history and scenery all in a
single spot. The destination's think-green mentality and efforts toward
sustainability set the tone for a raw form of vacationing, where
visitors are up with the sun (and often in bed shortly after the sun
goes down). No need to set an alarm in Tulum, where sun worshipers
gather at the shoreline daily to watch the sunrise.

9. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA - Phoot by Shutterstock

The most impressive sunrises in the continental United States occur
every day across the Grand Canyon. Cool purples melt into shades bronze
and orange against the awe-inspiring scenery, arguably America's
greatest natural wonder. There isn't a best place to see the sunrise in
the Grand Canyon, but Maricopa, Hopi, and Mather points, and along the
South Rim are recommended highly by in-the-know travellers.

10. Mount Sinai, Egypt Photo bu Shutterstock

First a history refresher: Jews, Christians and Muslims alike believe
that Moses received the 10 Commandments at the biblical Mount Sinai, as
mentioned in the Torah, Bible and Koran. Still an important religious
destination, Mount Sinai today draws believers who scale the route by
foot for religious purposes, and for the chance to see one of the most
inspiring sunrises in the world.