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As the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo draws in hikers from all over the world. But its natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, and rich history make it a destination waiting to be explored.
Just check out these interesting facts about Mount Apo to understand why it deserves a spot in your travel bucket list.
1. Grandfather of the Philippine Mountains
At 2,954 meters (9,692 feet) above sea level, Mount Apo towers over all other mountains in the Philippines and stands as the 24th highest peak of an island on Earth. But the name "Grandfather of Philippine Mountains" is not just a nod to its height. Mount Apo, which means grandfather or revered elder among the Lumads, has long been held as an iconic and sacred landmark in Mindanao. It overlooks Davao City to the northeast, Digos in Davao Del Sur to the southeast, and Kidapawan in Cotabato to the west.
2. Sacred Site for Indigenous Tribes
Mount Apo holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Lumads, indigenous people from more than 18 Mindanao ethnic groups. The mountain's foothills remain their ancestral domain. The earliest settlers of Davao, the Bagobo-Tagabawa, call the mountain "Apo Sandawa" or Grandfather Sandawa, a sign of respect for the mountain's importance. The Bagobos believe Mount Apo is the home of Mandarangan, a Bagobo deity.
3. Dormant Stratovolcano
Mount Apo is considered a stratovolcano due to its conical shape and a landscape made up of layers of lava and ash. Little is known about Mount Apo's eruption history, but its layers formed from various volcanic eruptions over time. But features, such as a large crater with a small lake on the southwest peak and vents that produce steam and sulfurous gases, indicate that it has been quite active in the past.
4. Protected Natural Area
Mount Apo was declared a natural park under Republic Act No. 9237 in 2004. At 199,819 acres (80,864 hectares), the park is home to hundreds of flora, including orchids, begonias, aroids, and ferns. According to the Mount Apo Foundation, the park also contains four lakes, 19 rivers, and numerous hot springs.
5. Philippine Eagle's Home
Mount Apo's relatively undisturbed forests offer the Philippine eagle the space to hunt and nest. The Philippine Eagle Foundation describes the nests of Philippine eagles in Mount Apo as "ancient breeding grounds" since they’ve been used by generations of eagle pairs repeatedly. But habitat loss remains a growing threat. To address this, reforestation efforts are underway, including initiatives supported by Globe and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, which aim to restore degraded forests and protect the eagles’ natural habitat. These efforts not only safeguard the eagles but also preserve the rich biodiversity of Mount Apo.
6. Sanctuary for Other Rare Birds
Conservation group Birdlife International reports Mount Apo supports many avian populations, such as the slaty-backed jungle flycatcher, red-eared parrotfinch, and Apo myna. The group adds that Mount Apo is one of only three sites in the Philippines where the Whitehead’s swiftlet was seen.
7. Three-Month Closure
Here's another interesting fact about Mount Apo from Davao's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The mountain becomes off-limits to hikers, tourists, and campers for three months. DENR closes off the whole park from June 1 until August 31 to protect and preserve the mountain.
FAQs about Climbing Mount Apo
Mount Apo boasts exhilarating views, but make no mistake. Climbing this massive mountain range is challenging, even for experienced mountaineers. Cover all your bases with the help of these answers as you prepare for your Mount Apo hike.
Is hiking Mount Apo okay for beginners?
Without any hiking experience, Mount Apo is a difficult climb. You must go up steep slopes, navigate boulders, and deal with volcanic terrain. Climbing this mountain tests endurance, so you must be in peak physical and mental condition.
What’s the easiest trail to Mount Apo?
Most climbers report taking the Kidapawan, Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan, and Bansalan trails. But these trails are challenging even for expert hikers.
How long does it take to hike Mount Apo?
The climb can take at least seven hours to the peak, even with the right tour guide and the proper fitness level. Experienced hikers typically camp overnight to complete a climb, including the descent from the top. You should always consult your tour guide about day hikes and the right trail based on your experience.
Do I need a tour guide to climb Mount Apo?
Yes, DENR requires Mount Apo trekkers to hire a tour guide and get a hiking permit. For more demanding trails, park officials may ask you to present a medical certificate or name two recent climbs.
Aside from the tour guide fees, you must pay for the permits, DENR fees, and transportation costs. If you’re camping overnight, you also need to hire a porter.
What month is best for Mount Apo?
Plan your climbing from November to May, but postpone it during bad weather. Storms make the trails slippery and cause mudslides.
Any other tips about climbing Mount Apo?
Arrive in Davao the day before or even earlier to make the arrangements for your tour guide and hiking permit. This will give you more time to prepare, rest, and get last-minute supplies. Here are other tips.
- Wear protective headgear. Sunblock isn’t enough. Headgear gives additional protection for your face and neck. Also, it helps to block the smell of the sulfuric gas that escapes from the vents in the boulder trail.
- Wear appropriate clothes. This includes hiking shoes with a firm grip on the sole and layers of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the weather. Bring extra socks in case they get wet.
- Bring trash bags. Be a responsible hiker! Bring your trash and pick up any trash that you see.
- Bring water purification tablets. You can refill your water bottle at clean mountain springs. But bring enough water or water purification tablets if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Stay connected. Local travelers can ensure they're covered with Globe postpaid plans or prepaid promos, which offer reliable service in the region. For foreign travelers, you can enjoy the 5G network with Globe's Traveler eSIM. Just download the GlobeOne app to check if your phone is eSIM compatible.
Experience Mount Apo Without Hikes
If you're a nature lover but not a hiker, visit or stay at Eden Nature Park and Resort instead. Located at the mountain's foothills, it's ideal for barkadas or families who want the “mountain experience” without roughing it out.
Transportation and Entrance Fees
The resort is an hour’s drive away from Davao City. You can take a cab or book the resort’s transport service (about ₱800, depending on your pick-up point).
The park admission fee includes a meal. The buffet lunch costs ₱980 for adults and ₱490 for kids. If you opt for a simple snack, fees are ₱400 for adults and ₱300 for kids. Rides are excluded from the entrance fee.
Activities
Explore the parks and gardens.
The resort has flower gardens, greenhouses, and plantations. Lola’s Garden has a bahay kubo, a vegetable garden, and a spectacular view of the Davao Gulf. Take the hiking trails to explore the property at your own pace, or take the guided shuttle tour.
Fly high.
Image Credit: Eden Nature Park Instagram
The resort has three sky rides that give you a bird's eye view of the forest, Mount Apo, Davao City, and Davao Gulf. All rides are 60 feet above the ground and take you across a 200-meter stretch. Just choose how you want to cross: glide down the SkyRider zipline, pedal on the SkyCycle bicycles, or walk in the giant SkyWheel.
Meet new animal friends.
Visit the butterfly sanctuary, aviary, and deer park. It has over 30 Philippine sambars, a vulnerable species found only in the Philippines.
Go horseback riding.
The horse trails are lined with pine trees. You can enjoy the ride accompanied by guides, so you don't have to worry about safety.
Eat the freshest fish of your life.
Image Credit: Eden Nature Park Instagram
You can fish and then have your catch cooked immediately for a small fee. Fishing rates are ₱500 for adults and ₱300 for children from 4 to 10 years old.
Accommodations
You can stay overnight at one of the cottages. Rates range from ₱4,750 for a lodge for two people to ₱12,600 for a villa that can fit 11 people.
Prepare for Your Trip to Mount Apo
Image Credit: Eden Nature Park Instagram
With its breathtaking landscapes and peaks, Mount Apo remains one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the country.
Just make sure you're prepared if you want to conquer its majestic heights. Climbing Mount Apo requires thoughtful research, the right gear, and peak physical and mental readiness.
But you can still enjoy Mount Apo without trekking to the top. You can explore its natural beauty and experience the cultural heritage of over 30 barangays in the area.
Travel safely and prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure!
