Mount Apo, Philippines

The highest mountain of the Philippines

📌 By Jakub Mikula | August 22, 2019

Mount Apo (2954m) is the highest mountain of the Philippines that usually takes two to three days to hike. The hiking is relatively easy; however, it may get quite cold and windy above the tree line. Our was a two-day trip (two of us accompanied by two guides). We first landed in Davao where we met our guide and took a bus to Digos City. From there, we were taken to the first camp in Kapatagan where we had a dinner and spend the night in a tent. On the way there we were riding on big motorcycles through the pitch-dark forest trusting that our drivers knew their way.

Fig.1 Breakfast after the first night in a camp in Kapatagan

Following the trail from the village, we plunged into the lush forest.

Fig.2 Mount Apo

In the beginning, the trail was easy until we reached the first camp near a small water source. We cooked lunch and continued. Many stay here during the night and wake up early in the morning to hike to the summit. Since we were a small group, we were allowed to continue and spend the night near the summit.

Fig.3 In the forest

The trail started becoming difficult and we had to climb large boulders above the tree line. Some of them were greenish from the sulphur which could be smelled around. Additionally, without any trees, the wind became very strong with occasional rain showers.

Fig.4 Above the treeline

We could only hide ourselves behind some of the big boulders to shield us from the wind and the cold droplets. We put up a tent near the summit, cooked dinner and went to sleep. Falling asleep, I could hear the wind swishing through the mountain and shaking the whole tent as if it were to blow us down.

Fig.5 Camping near the summit

We woke up early in the morning, had a quick breakfast and continued to the summit. It took us only one hour. The early morning clouds blocked most of the views, but once they later dispersed in the strong wind they left me speechless uncovering the beautiful mountain as if floating above the clouds.