Davao del sur: Mt. Apo

posted on Monday, December 26, 2022

Conquering the Philippines’ tallest peak has always been THE dream. I met the love of my life on a climb to Mt. Pulag, Luzon’s highest mountain, way back 2010 and after 12 years of marriage, it is indeed time to take on Mt. Apo. Towering at 2954 MASL, it has been declared as a protected area with its rich ecosystem and is included in the UN List of National Parks and Equivalent Reserves. It is also recognized as an ASEAN Heritage site as it is home to over 272 bird species, most of which are endemic. These sure are more than enough reasons to finally up our game.

There are several trails to reach the stratovolcano’s summit. Ling and I decided to take the shortest yet most difficult trail via Sibulan or now known as the Sta. Cruz Circuit. It is a major climb with an 8 out of 9 level of difficulty and a trail class of 2 to 4. We booked our climb with MtApoAdventures.com. Package cost per pax is P11,500, inclusive of climb permit, guide and exit fee, climb certificate, transportation from Davao City to trailhead and back, all meals during the hike and a one night accommodation in Davao City a day before the scheduled climb. Rates vary depending on the number of hikers per trip---more participants can get the rate cheaper. There were four of us in the group and it was quite an experience to hike with foreigners, a 61yo Japanese-American and a 40ish German.

We scheduled our 3-day climb on the first weekend of December 2022 and we did ourselves a favor by working out almost everyday. We also took on two major hikes prior to Mt. Apo. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of hiking, it is to never underestimate a mountain---may it be a minor or a major climb.

Day 1 of our most-awaited adventure was a great physical and mental warm-up. We started ascent from the east side at Sitio Baruring at around 9:30 am. We were welcomed by lush vegetation along a farm trail and a one of a kind rainforest with its unique flora and fauna. The interestingly eerie sound of cicadas was our hike’s musical score. We reached the Tinikaran camp 1 after 6 hours. The campsite is named after the Tinikaran tree, which is an endemic tree thriving well in Mt. Apo. After a sumptuous dinner of tinolang manok, we took our time getting to know our fellow hikers before lights were out at 8:00 pm.

Wake up call the following day was at 3:30 am. Ling and I were so ready to finally see Mt. Apo’s scenic wonders---the boulders and its three peaks. We were on our way by 4:30 am. The narrow jungle trail was an early test of endurance. And then came the boulders amid the breathtaking sunrise. I was simply in awe! While scrambling up the boulders, we were also able to see several long-tailed macaques basking under the sun. Whatta view.

We reached our first summit, the Davao peak, by 9:20 am. We then summit hopped onto our next peak on the Cotabato side, also known as the highest peak. And lastly, the summit over Kidapawan side. Though luck wasn’t on our side as there was no clearing, conquering Mt. Apo was still so undeniably worth it. And I pondered this feat while enjoying our well-deserved meal.

After lunch, it took us two hours to descend to Lake Venado. We arrived at the campsite by 2:00 pm. Ling and I didn’t know we were in for the best surprise yet because the view in Lake Venado was beyond mind-blowing---especially after Mt. Apo granted us a full view of its twin peaks. It was no doubt the best afternoon view while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

I thought our trek back to the trailhead would be a breeze but no. Our third and last day was perhaps the most difficult. We left Lake Venado by 7 am and reached Kapatagan after 7 long hours. Seeing the century old Almaciga tree was the highlight of our day.

Mt. Apo sure topped this year’s greatest adventure. And though 2022 wasn’t exactly my kind of year, conquering the country’s tallest peak made me realize that I can certainly do anything I put my heart and mind into.

See also our climb up Mt. Pulag via Ambaguio-Tawangan traverse, Tarak Ridge, Kibungan Cross Country, Mt. Ugo, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg Trail, Mt. Pulag via Akiki Trail, Mt. Amuyao, Mt. Pigingan, Mt. Arayat and Mt. Timbak.