Notes on Climbing Mount Apo

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The most popular mountain for hiking is located in Davao. Mount Apo is apparently the highest mountain in the Philippines at 2,954 meters high. Most hikers take three days to make it to the mountain top and back from the starting point. If you and your companions are in good shape, you can challenge yourselves and complete the trip in 2 days or less.

There are thousands of plants to look at along the way, but limited wildlife can be seen. Birds are not even a common sight. Bamboo stairs help make climbing vertically easier along with crossing bridges to get across rivers and streams. Here are a few tips to take note of when climbing Mount Apo:

Concentrate on being comfortable rather than trying to be the fastest climber. Wear dry clothing and extremely comfortable hiking boots, preferably waterproof ones as you may encounter muddy trails and tracks due to soil erosion along the way.
Don’t forget to bring your rain gear as scattered rain showers are to be expected.
If you don’t want to lug your baggage with you, hire a porter for 200 pesos plus food allowance for the day. Try to help the locals earn money as you can also ask them to take pictures for you along the way.
A mountain permit is required and available at the city hall in Santa Cruz about an hour south of downtown Davao. The permit costs 300 pesos per person.
Check in at the tourist center in Kidapawan where they will organize a guide to take you to your hike. That costs 500 pesos a day.
Ask the guide to cut a light walking stick to help you on your hike.
Bring along accessories such as camping stoves, camping lanterns, eating bowls, utensils, a small cup and other camping necessities.
Try to avoid drinking from lagoons and rivers on the trail. Guides will usually select water from small streams to give to climbers. Some visitors, especially those with sensitive stomachs, may have a bad reaction to the water, so it’s best to avoid it. Have bottled water ready with you at all times.
A light sleeping bag that is good for 30 to 40 degrees F is needed, along with a sleeping pad. Bring socks and a jacket to use at night. Temperatures drop with the disappearance of the sun, along with presence of the chilly mountain breeze at night.
A tent is essential as there is light rain during nighttime.
Bring along a tough camping backpack that is easy on your shoulders and back. You wouldn’t want your things to be the ones to drag you down on your hike.
Insect repellant is always a good idea to bring.
Bring a good amount of dry clothes with you to change into if you ever get soaked. Hypothermia could be a problem.
The best time to make your way up the mountain is during the months of March to August when it’s the dry season.

Adventurous travelers should ready themselves with a unique experience of climbing up Mount Apo. Challenge yourselves and discover the land of mystic and wonders.