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Guides - Mount Apo - Davao del Sur and North Cotabato Provinces
Mount Apo
INFORMATION Conquer Mt. Apo, the grandfather of all Philippine Mountains measuring 3,144 meters above sea level. The mountain range extends from Cotabato, Davao Del Sur and Davao City to Agusan and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao covering 72,769 hectares. Mt. Apo is an inactive volcano and is part of the Mt. Apo National Park. Nowadays, thousands of people from all walks of life scale the mountain especially during Holy Week. The first recorded attempt by the Spanish governor Don Jose Uyanguren in 1859 to reach the summit proved to be fatal wherein 20 of the 27 members of the expedition perished. The first recorded successful ascent was by Don Joaquin Rajal in October 11, 1880 wherein it took six days of trekking. But local tribes have been frequenting the peak since prehistoric times. They give their offerings to their tribal gods in a place with an outcrop rock called Sandawa Altar. Natural wonders lure outdoor enthusiasts to trek through this tribal god's domain and conquer its towering peak. Starting from the first camp at blue Lake Agko, trekkers will see along the way exotic displays of nature at it's best - lush tropical forest dotted with hot and cold springs, crystal clear and boiling blue mountain lakes, hidden waterfalls cascading with thunderous roar, sulfuric craters, orchids, pitcher plants and other wild flowers. Truly this is an exceptional display of nature in its primeval state. Hidden in the mountain's vastness, about 2,438 meters above sea level is Lake Venado- a crystal clear and ice-cold expanse of fresh water that mirrors the majestic Twin Peaks of Mt. Apo. Beside the lake is a 15 hectare camping ground that resembles a golf course with greens of wild bermuda grass. On the eastern side, just some few hundred meters below the peak, sweet wild berries and brilliant sulfur rocks are found along the crater area. Volcanic vents continuously spew sulfuric fumes with jet-like rumbles. Temperature goes down as low as 3 degrees Celsius. From Lake Venado, start downward trek to the jump-off point at Lake Agco campsite which passes through the same winding, knee-deep and swift flowing Marbel River. Hugging the rocks and the boulders, jumping from stone to stone, making a total of 13 exciting crossings for a single river brings you to the first camp. These alone are total adventure and "communing with nature" experience. LEGENDS There are several legends concerning Mt. Apo but one of the most popular is that of a noble man named Apong. Apong has a beautiful daughter named Saribu who was admired throughout the land. Two of her avid suitors were warriors Maranaw and Maisug. Saribu however gave her heart to Maisug. Maranaw demanded that a duel take place between him and Maisug since it is the law of the land even though Saribu opted for Maisug. The duel lasted for hours when Maranaw, an evil man as he is, threw sand in the eyes of Maisug. When he was about to thrust his spear to Maisug's heart, Apong demanded to stop the fighting and went in between the warring warriors. Maranaw didn't heed and struck Apong in the heart. Before dying, he chanted a curse to Maranaw. Saribu buried her dead father at the same spot where he was killed. The next morning, a mountain grew from that same spot. They called it Apong in honor of the dead man, which later was shortened to Apo. One day, Mt. Apo erupted and buried Maranaw and his people with lava which is now the present day Cotabato Valley. WHEN AND HOW TO GO If you will be coming from Manila, there are two ways to travel to the jump-off point. The first option is via plane taking the local carriers PAL, Grand Air, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines. You can either take Davao City of Cotabato City flights though the former is best advised but either way, time and cost is negligible. The second option is via ship like Super Ferry Liners which has trips to either Davao or Cotabato although the Cotabato route is nearer and cheaper. Mt. Apo is best climbed during the summer months though organized climbs are being conducted by the local tourism office usually during Holy Week, October and last week of December. Permits and prior arrangements should be made with the DENR, Tourism Office or at the Kidapawan City Hall.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES There are six known routes to the Mt. Apo summit, though one of the routes, the Tico - Magpet route has other sub-routes at its lower slopes. It is advisable to take different routes in going up and going down to maximize your visit. But on a regular day, only the Kidapawan route is advised since other routes are only safe during the peak climbing seasons. Other routes will also require more hours of trekking and not as established as the Kidapawan route. Otherwise, if taking 2 routes, the recommended routes are the Kapatagan and Kidapawan trails especially for mountaineers who are first timers to Apo due to its totally unique environment, very different from each other. Substantial information can be gathered at jump-off points. Listed below are the 6 known trails. The Kidapawan trail can be completed from 1 to 2 days back and forth but listed at the itineraries as a 4 day climb. Davao City Approach (Davao City Trail) (4.5 day trek) Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Davao del Sur Approach (Kapatagan Trail) (4 day trek) Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
North Cotabato Approach (Kidapawan Trail) (4 day trek) Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
North Cotabato Approach ( Makilala/ New Israel trail) (4 day trek) Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
North Cotabato Approach (Magpet Trail) (5 day hike) Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Tamayong Trail (Davao City) A newly opened trail, the Tamayong trail promises to be more convenient and breath taking than the traditional path to the Philippines' highest. The trail starts at Barangay Tamayong of Davao City's Calinan district and winds up to seven waterfalls, several rivers, creeks, streams, and host of hot springs, and the beautiful Lake Venado before reaching the summit. The Tamayong trail is a 35 kilometers of gradually inclining slope. It will take climbers 2 days to complete the route with a midway stopover at a designated campsite. The trail is a panorama of wildlife and indigenous edible fruits, features that no longer exist in traditional routes. The world's tallest moss, the dauzonia, is endemic to the area, as well as the vanda sanderania, the popular waling waling. There are hot springs there that are known to have medicinal value where tired and aching limbs may find relief. The natural vegetation is a mixture of medicinal herbs and beautiful flora which would surely amaze botanists and nature lovers. Crystal clear streams still flow along the southeastern slope to invite climbers for a refreshing dip after a long day. Best of all, the trail commands a magnificent view of the entire city, all the way to Mati in Davao Oriental. Fauna endemic to the area are the popular myna bird and the tarababoy, an animal with a body the size of a rodent but with ahead that looks like a boar, complete with tusks. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS If it is your first time to climb Mt. Apo, it is advisable to hire guides even though some trails are easy to follow. Important information on water sources, campsites and security are invaluable information you can get from them. Guides are available at the Lake Agko Camp resthouse. Water sources abound on Mt. Apo but bring filtration devices or purifying tablets. Temperature is cool especially during the months of December. See also: Mt. Apo Location Map Visit: Metropolitan
Mountaineering Society Website
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