Other Preffered Trails

For those who would like to test their mountaineering skills and push themselves to the limit, they can try these challenging trails::

  • Climb Mt. Apo via the Sibulan trail.

    Reaching Sibulan in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur would only mean less than an hour of driving from Davao City. The Sibulan -Mt. Apo Trail is said to be the most interesting trail because of its width. Despite its narrow path, this particular way to reach the peak of Mt. Apo boasts of lush vegetation and a jungle that features the richness of an ecosystem that is home to different flaura and fauna species.

    By passing through this trail, your stamina and determination to reach the top will surely be put to test as you have to hurdle some boulders.

  • Discover Mt. Apo via the Kidapawan trail.

    Going to Mt. Apo using the Kidapawan, North Cotabato trail is regarded as the easiest way up. On the average, it will only take a backpacker two days to finish the entire climb, which means going up and going down, including taking of photos while enjoying the trek.

    Through this trail, a climber will enjoy the hot springs, river crossings, and a steep forested way that leads to the top via the swampy Lake Venado.

    From Davao City, a climber has to travel for about three hours to reach the Kidapawan –Mt. Apo Trail.

  • Mt. Apo climbing via the Kapatagan trail.

    When you want to reach the summit of Mt. Apo via the Kapatagan trail in Digos City, Davao del Sur, you need to travel a little over an hour from Davao City to be at the foot of this trail, which is adjacent to the Sibulan route. However, unlike the Sibulan –Mt. Apo Trail, this route is wider and would take you a little longer to get to the top.

  • Experience Mt. Apo via the Mt. Talomo trail.

    The Mt. Talomo – Mt.Apo Trail is touted to be the most challenging route. While it is only found in Davao City, a climber or backpacker has to allocate five days (includes both going up and down) to completely enjoy the majestic view from the top of the country’s highest peak.

Preparation

Preparing for your great Mt. Apo climb is definitely a thrilling experience for you, especially if it’s going to be your first.

In climbing Mount Apo, there are certain things that you need to check to ensure that you are indeed prepared for the experience.

First of all, you have to be physically fit to climb Mt. Apo. A visit to your doctor prior to your trek is a great idea.

Second, you have to possess functional mountaineering knowledge and skills.

Third, you have to be equipped with basic camping gears and supplies for survival during the entire period of the hike.

Best Time to Climb

While climbing Mt. Apo is generally allowed all year round, there is a specific period which is considered to be the best time to schedule your journey.

To completely enjoy your trek to Mt. Apo, schedule it between November and May, or during the dry season.

Laws and Regulations

Mt. Apo is considered as one of the country’s major landmarks and national treasures. Being such, the national government, in partnership with local government units, have enacted laws and lobbied for policies that will ensure the sustainable management and protection of the mountain and its surrounding environs.

  • Republic Act 9237. Passed in 2003, this national law declares Mt. Apo as a protected area. Under Chapter V, Section. 16, it penalizes anyone who, “Destroys, damages, mutilates, defaces, or commits any act of vandalism on any object of natural beauty, object of anthropological or cultural importance, or non-renewable resource within the protected area.” It further states under Chapter VI, SEC.21, that the “Utilization of Non-renewable Resources. Any exploration, exploitation or utilization of nonrenewable resources within the protected area shall not be allowed.”

  • NIPAS Act. Enacted in 1992, the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act lists all the protected areas in the Philippines which are being administered by the DENR. This includes national parks such as Mt. Apo, which are designated forest reservations that have been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except those in conformity with an approved management plan and set aside exclusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants therein.

  • Writ of Kalikasan. Issued by the Court of Appeals in 2014, this is a legal remedy under Philippine law which provides for the protection of a Filipino citizen’s right to “a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” as provided for in Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution. The case was filed in response to a petition filed during the 15th Congress by House Representative Angelo. Palmones of party-list group Agham (Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan, Inc.).

  • Lobby for inclusion of Mt Apo in UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2009, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) nominated Mt. Apo to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage of a country as contained in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The mountain is the epicenter of endemism in Mindanao, as it is home to 272 bird species, 111 of which can only be found in the area. It is also home to the critically-endangered Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s largest eagles.