Mount Apo Voyage Tips and guide

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Mount Apo is a large stratovolcano in the island of Mindanao, the highest mountain in the Philippines. It is solfataric, well provided with vents emitting sulphurous fumes, and has a number of hot springs.

With an altitude of 2,954 m (9,692 ft), Mt. Apo is the highest mountain in the country and is located between Davao City, Davao del Sur province and Cotabato province.

The peak overlooks Davao City 40 km (25 mi) to the northeast, Digos City 25 km (16 mi) to the southeast, and Kidapawan City 20 km (12 mi) to the west.

On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon.

The first two attempts to reach Mt. Apo’s summit ended in failure: that of Jose Oyanguren (1852) and Señor Real (1870). The first recorded successful expedition was led by Don Joaquin Rajal in October 10, 1880. Prior to the climb, Rajal had to secure the permission of the Bagobo chieftain, Datu Manig. It is said that the Datu demanded that human sacrifice be made to please to god Mandarangan. The datu agreed to waive this demand, and the climb commenced on October 6, 1880, succeeding five days later. Since then, numerous expeditions followed. These and more are described in colorful narrations by Fr. Miguel Bernad, S.J.

On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon.

A note on the etymologies: Mt. Apo is said to be named after a nobleman named Apong, who was killed while mediating the battle between two suitors of his daughter Saribu. Another proposed origin of the name is from the word Apo itself, which in Filipino tongues means “master” or “grandfather”.

Six indigenous peoples consider Mt. Apo as their ancestral domain and home, namely: Manobos, Bagobo, Ubos, Atas and the Tagakaolo. Since time immemorial, these tribes have lives around the mountain that they also consider as sacred ground. Mt. Apo is their place of worship and the burial ground of Apo Sandawa, their great-grandparent. The mountain is the source of their continual supply of food and medicine, but more so, the foundation of their spiritual and cultural way of life.

A total of 227 vertebrates species belonging to 69 families of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals have been recorded in Mt. Apo. Likewise, 118 species of butterflies belonging to 69 families are recorded in the area. Of these, the most notable is the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jeffreyi) - one of the world's largest eagles and the country's national bird.

The mountain is considered by the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the center of endemism in Mindanao. It has one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area. It has three distinct forest formations, from lowland tropical rainforest, to mid-mountain forests, and finally to high mountain forests.

The most convenient way to climb Mt. Apo is by contacting adventure providers such as Trail Adventours ([email protected]). Run by mountaineers, the service can help visitors arrange a trip to Mt. Apo, and secure all other necessities such as hiking permits, English-speaking guides, porters and even tents and food.

Mt. Apo, as the highest mountain in the Philippines, attracts a lot of attention from hikers all over the world.

The Kidapawan-Magpet trail, though one of many trails, is the easiest. The trail will first lead to Lake Agko. From there, hikers will have to cross Marbel River by walking on coconut logs without anything to hold for support. The threat of sudden flashfloods, emphasized by the strong flow of water, will remind the intrepid hiker that they are not climbing any ordinary mountain.

After three hours of river crossing, the first campsite will be reached - the Mainit Hot Springs. Here, hikers can take a dip in a hot and soothing pool. This first campsite must be reached before 3PM, because the next campsite, Lake Venado, is 5-6 hours away.

Between the two campsites is a thick forest. There, two "killer trails" will be encountered: the "87-degree" and the "90-degree" trail. Each taking around 15 minutes, these trails are known to have taken their toll on climbers. As of 2006, ropes are in place in the ‘90’ trail to make it a little bit safer.

After the difficult ascent, the next landscape is the swamp that heralds the proximity of Lake Venado. This is where many Mt. Apo trails intersect. The peripheral areas can be used for camping. During summer, Bagobo tribesfolk would also camp here and put up stalls. Hikers can choose to camp here, or proceed to the summit.

From Lake Venado, the summit is still 3 hours of trekking. This time, the environment changes into a cogon grassland. Then, the otherworldly summit area is reached. It is rocky, with wild berries, and temperate plants. Beneath is the old crater of Mt. Apo. The beauty of the summit, the highest point in the Philippines, has captivated countless climbers.

Going down, the Magpet trail is suggested, even though climbers typically do a traverse to the Davao (south) side. The Magpet trail, said to be easiest of all trails to Mt. Apo, will lead to what is called the Bobbong campsite, and from there, a beautiful waterfalls will be reached, called the Bongolanon Falls. It appears as if the water curves and bends, before descending. Weary hikers can swim in the pools beneath, and it is perfect refreshment after a grand Mt. Apo experience!

Mt. Apo possesses a formidable array of landscapes, from craggy rockscapes to virgin forests; from mossy swamps to volcanic structures. The mountain possesses the widest spectrum of environments, and provides an experience for mountaineers that lives up to their expectations from the country’s highest.

During summer, Bagobo tribesfolk would also set up camp in Lake Venado and put up stalls.

Unless it is summer with Bagobo tribesmen present, hikers will have to bring their own food.

Water sources are abundant throughout Mt. Apo, particularly in campsites and the summit.

There are no lodging facilities in Mt. Apo.

The first campsite is the Mainit Hot Springs, where hikers can dip in a small, hot pool. This campsite should be reached while the sun is still out because the next campsite is 5-6 hours away.

The second campsite is at Lake Venado, where the many trails intersect. It is very cold, and also very serene, surrounded by pines on the north, and the peak of Mt. Apo from the south.

The water level in Lake Venado may swell, decreasing the size of the campsite. The weather in Mt. Apo is very unpredictable; strong rains may just come. Rely on local knowledge on whether to pursue river crossings in bad weather.

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