Mt. Apo Tour and Guide

Mount Apo is Davao’s unique natural wonder. The Philippines highest peak near Davao on Mindanao Island can be done by seasoned trekkers in a day or two but most people should allow 5 to 6 days for getting ready and the climb up and back down.

Apo means “Grandfather”. It is an inactive volcano. Mount Apo’s attractions are thundering waterfalls of Tudaya, lakes, sulphur pillars, primeval trees, endangered plant and animal species.

Soaring to 3,143 meters ( some say 2954 meters ) or (10,311 feet), the highest point in the Philippines, it is the centerpoint of the Mt. Apo National Park located on the boundary between the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.

Its base covers about 72,796 hectares of mountain ranges that extend from Davao City, Davao del Sur, Northern Cotabato, Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur to Misamis Oriental. The park is one of the largest in the country and is home to the endangered Philippine Eagle. The gateway to the park is through the town of Kidapawan.

It takes 4 or 5 days and March thru May(the dry season)is the best time to go. There are Water Falls and Hot Springs on the way up that provide beautiful “rest stops”.

Guides and porters can be hired for P 800.00 / day. (with free meals)

Note: A porter carries maximum load of 15 kilos and charges an additional 10 pesos/kilo/day in excess of 15 kilos. A fraction of the day of the porter’s services, either on the first or on the last is considered whole day.

You need a warm sleeping bag, Tent, Stove, Cook set, plenty of water and don’t forget salt to prevent dehydration.

There are 5 routes the Kapatagan the shorter one, Makilala-New Israel, Kidapawan, Magpet-Bongolanon, Calinan-Tamayong is the Longest of all.

Registration fee in Kapatagan starting September 2007:
Student – 360.00, Local – 600.00, Foreigner – 900.00
you should provide your medical certificate upon registering in Kapatagan.


I am Jochled Almaden,32, from Davao City, Philippines.
Member: Alsons Mountaineering Club (ALMOC)
for further information, pls. e-mail me thru jialmaden@yahoo.com or gervass102@yahoo.com, also my facebook - jialmaden@yahoo.com, and feel free to contact me thru my mobile no. 0918-6934214