Climbing Mount Apo -
Route starting from Agko Springs near Kidapawan, Mindanao.
Climbing Mount Apo is a good workout. It’s not a technical climb, but don’t underestimate it. Take a good rain coat and a small tent because it rains a lot and gets very cold at night.
Hypothermia could be a problem if you get soaked and don’t have any dry clothing to change into.
Steam rises from a hot spring in the photo at left.
Water is available at several places along the way so taking a liter water bottle along should be enough. Carrying extra weight will make each step harder.
Mt. Apo is 2954 meters, and is the highest mountain in the Philippines.
Most hikers take three days to make the round trip from the starting point near the Agko hot springs. If you are in shape and want to push harder you could complete the trip in 2 days or less.
River crossing.
There are a few river crossings at the beginning of the trail. The park workers have installed crossing bridges for some of the rivers, but prepare to get your feet wet crossings small streams and swampy areas.
It’s a good idea to take along spare dry socks for the next day and for sleeping at night at the top. Why not be comfortable? Just remember not to take along anything that is not needed because you will be doing a lot of up hill walking and will regret it.
Mt Apo trail
There are a lot of plants to look at along the way, but very little wildlife. Even birds are not common.
It’s really a good idea not to push too hard. Pace yourself so you don’t get too winded, unless you are really into trying to make good time. Probably you would never be able to match the speed of a local man that lives in these mountains.
They can literally run straight up this mountain and it was suggested to me that they could probably make it to the top in 4 hours.
Bamboo stairs help make climbing vertical sections easier.
This is along Lake Venado, a swampy section where the trail levels out for a bit. Some people camp on this plateau and then do the final ascent the following morning.
Swimming in the lake is prohibited. It is swampy with a mud bottom and a tourist with a bit too much to drink went in for a dip and didn’t make it out. Scuba divers were flown in by helicopter and found the body straight away but fog had settled in and they had to walk down the mountain with their gear. It was pretty slippery and my guide told me that one of the divers fell and broke his arm.
It is a bit unsettling to see some of the garbage piled up along the shores but most of the trail is fairly clean. All garbage is supposed to be hauled out but many ignore this requirement.
It’s a 3 – 4 hour hike to the basin at the top of Mt Apo. If you prefer to take more breaks it could take 6-7 hours to reach the camping area up in the bowl of the dormant volcano.
There was a handy rock overhang that my companions utilized for shelter and I had a small mountain tent. It was a chilly night.
We did climb one of the peaks after dark so we could see the city lights off in the distance. It rained part of the night but then cleared up. Around 2 am I got up for a bit and had a crystal clear view of the stars.
Jay-ar, guide-Richard, Albert, Michael
We were greeted by a beautiful sunrise. It is crisp in the early mornings but the sun soon warms things up.
View from the top of Mt Apo.
We had a cup of coffee and some rice, dried our tarps in the morning sun and started down on our way back to Agko.
It is a lot easier going down hill but it can be a bit hard on the knees.
Just keep thinking about the hot springs at the end of the trail!
Suggestions for climbing Mt. Apo
1) Concentrate on making yourself comfortable rather than being the fastest climber. Dry clothing and comfortable shoes will really make things more pleasant.
2) Be sure to take rain gear – I prefer ponchos to pants and jacket combos.
3) Take a small tent or tarp.
4) If you want to free yourself up for taking pictures – hire a porter for 200 pesos plus food per day. (5USD) Why not help out the local economy a bit?
5) Check in at the tourist center in Kidapawan where they will organize a guide for you at the cost of 500 pesos per day.
6) Have the guide cut a light walking stick for you or crack out the new telescopic one you got from the sports store!
Comments welcome!
Feel free to add any tips or experiences about climbing Mt Apo below.
College students from Kidapawan.
climbing Mount Apo
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Wow Ricky, excellent pictures.I really must attempt to do that one day just for that amazing view. Looks like u had a ral wicked time.I opened your site as soon as i got home.I tell a lie as i put the kettle on and had my first brew for a week then opened your site ahahah I missed u in Davao by a day Had the luxury of a plane ride as opposed to the 24 hour bus and ferry, my butt really appreciated it. Cy soon mate
Thanks Dave,
I am still in Kidapawan. Washing my clothes and getting ready to push on to Gen San.
It is raining like crazy here. I can not stress enough the importance of taking rain gear. The way it is raining today – a tent might not be able to keep out the water.
Keeping the body temp up is really important. Mount Apo is only around 10,000 ft but it gets very cold at up there at night.
I should be home at the end of July. Be sure to stop in for a visit and dinner! Maybe we can make a run up into Samar!
cheers
dp
Rick,
Read your story on Mt Apo and while i was on the telephone to Cheryl over the weekend told her about your adventures up to the top of Mt Apo.
Cheryl asked me if we could do that as well next time I’m over in the Philippines again.
At first i though no way, but then i remember how much fun she got out of doing that 3 day Calbiga caving trip before with you and Joni.
I’ve been up to the top of Mt Hood before near Portland OR and it was over 11,000 feet.
You give some real great information for people wishing to take the hike up to the top of Mt Apo and your photos are great as well…keep the stories coming of your on going adventures around the Philippines.
See you soon!
Gary
Thanks Gary,
You and Cheryl would have a blast! Best to fly into Davao and take a van or bus to Kidapawan.
It is a bit of a workout but I think you would both enjoy the hike. That Old Barracks Suites is a great place to stay, if you want to stay in town.
If you want to stay at the trail head – the Agko resort is ok but kind of rustic. I prefer to stay in town.
They have rain ponchos for sale on the second level KMCC mall.
Hi 2 Cheryl.
rick
Hi Ricky Congrats for exploration there in Mindanao. Hope to see you soon in Samar.
INGAT SANKAY !!!
God Bless
cheers
Joni B.
Hi Joni,
I am now in Zamboanga waiting for the boat to Malaysia.
Nice to hear from you!
Keep spelunking!!!
dp
Good one DP thats also on my list. Have climbed Mayon in Albay and also Mt Talinis in Valencia so Apo has to be next. Enjoyed the info you provided, at this time of the year being rainy season one would need all the gear you mentioned. Maybe its possible through the info center to hire a tent and or sleeping bag?
I did not know you are into mountain climbing, take a look sometime at http://www.pinoymountaineering.com this site is up to date and has the most info on Philippine mountains that I have seen.
I am also planing to climb Mount Canlaon soon and happy to include you if interested.
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the link!
That must have been a trip climbing Mt. Mayon!
Apo was fun, but with your experience it might not present itself to be much of a challenge, but it really is kind of cool!
I plan to be back in Samar for the fiesta in August and to attend the wedding of Pacoli’s daughter (Summers Garden Pension)
Even though I live in Ormoc I am more at home in Samar.
dp
Hi! Our group is scheduled to climb Mt. Apo starting August 16, 2009.
Your article here is very helpful.
I have some questions, sir, if I may. Appreciate your answers but only if you have time. Thanks!
1. Which is colder, Mt. Apo’s temperature or Pulag’s? Aside from tents and the standard dry clothing, would one fleece jacket & one waterproof jacket enough?
2. Is the smell of sulur in the vicinity tolerable?
3. Are water sources available all year-round?
4. We have some companions who are first-time climbers. What’s your take on this, sir?
Thanks again!
jhess
Hi jhess,
Thanks for your comments…
1) I have never been on Pulag so I don’t know. The main thing is that it rained so much the week I was there that I began to think about how miserable the night would be if one didn’t have dry clothes! A rain poncho or jacket is a necessary item to take with.
The climb itself is not that hard but why not be as comfortable as possible and be able to enjoy sitting on the peak at night instead of shivering in a tent!
2) There is no detectable smell of sulphur.
3) The great thing about this climb is the availability of fresh water – even near the top.
4) I think first timers will have a blast. We had two in our group and they really enjoyed it! Best not to over pack because unnecessary weight will make the climb more difficult.
If anyone in your group is a tad out of shape or just wants to free themselves up for taking pictures or whatever – I suggest hiring a porter. They work cheap and you are helping out the local economy a bit. (200 pesos per day plus food)
Have a good trip and please get back to us and let us know how it went! Also pointers and suggestions would be welcome!
cheeers
dp
Halo. I climbed (with my gf.) Mt. Apo in February. The arrangement of the trip was not easy, we did it in Digos. Want to ask if somebody have some information about Leyte mountains, especialy so called “Leyte mountain trail” I have found some advertising text on the internet, but it seems nobody went trough in last 10 years. So what is the problem there?
Hello b,
Kidapawan is probably the easiest place to organize a trip up Mount Apo.
I don’t know anything about the Leyte mountain trail – There is some beautiful country up above Lake Danao and up in the PNOC area where the geo-thermal electrical power plants are located. There are deep canyons and the area is very wild. Big waterfalls, monkeys and tarsiers are common.
A lot of this area is restricted for security reasons.
cheers
dp
Hello dutchpickle!
The information you mentioned are very helpful, thanks! I’ve tried to join a group from Manila who is scheduled to climb Mt. Apo this coming December, because of conflict with the schedule I can not join them. Is it easy to organize a trip to the summit of Mt. Apo? I mean, can we just go to Kidapawan, register, then hire a guide to take us to the summit? Plannig to invite friends to join me for this climb. If you know somebody who is planning to climb Mt. Apo in January, kindly inform me, coz im very interested of joining them. I do get along very easy naman, hehehe! Im from iloilo city, and very much interested to climb the highest peak of our country. Just keep me posted
don
Hello Victor,
There is a tourist Center in Kidapawan City where everything can be organized for you.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/kidapawan-tourist-center.html
Be sure to bring a rain poncho or jacket because the climb can get very uncomfortable if it starts raining and you don’t have one available.
It would also be a good idea to have a light weight but good quality tent for your night at the summit. There is a small cave at the top that some people sleep in but it is first come first served so it might well be occupied before you get there :)
Some climbers spend the night at the small resort at the hot springs up in the mountain the night prior to the climb.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/lake-agko-resort-mount-apo.html
Have fun!
dp
Very nice adventure.. hope to climbe mt. apo
you can post your ads for free http://www.palawansale.com
or you can have a diving in elndio http://www.seadogdivingpalawan.com
thanks
its so nice to climb at mt. apo we were there last May 29, 2009 to June 01, 2009. where hoping we could go back again there because some of my friends couldn’t go along w/us for some reasons and financial incapacity. its a great hurray once you reach to the summit.
Hi frox,
…”its a great hurray once you reach to the summit.”
For Sure!
ingat
dp
hello there
you know your story about your adventure is great,it sounds interesting,it makes me feel excited to climb in mt.apo,we were planning to climb in mt.apo this year if we have time,thanks for the information,we can easily go through the tourist center because we live in kidapawan city but we’ve been never experience to climb mt.apo
thanks again for the information
(city of fruits)
KIDAPAWAN
Hello Lester,
For sure – have a great climb!
dp
ps – I really like your city – Kidapawan!
Can you tell me the approximate cost of hiring the van for the trip from the airport to Kidapawan tourism center? Thanks
hi there im planing to climb mt apo on 21st of february with my friend David but we would welcome anyone to join us ! we r from australia n both fit n healthy !
if anyone can give us info to about hiring guides n porters are they always available or need to book ahead is 8000 peso tomuch from d jump off point 3 days all inclusive ? if u want to join us drop a line tibor2u@yahoo.com
Hi david,
I am not sure about the van costs – sorry. Plenty of trikes are available too.
I recommend staying at The Old Barraks Suites on the road going up the mountain.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/old-barracks-suites-kidapawan.html
dp
Hello tbor,
I suggest first checking in at the visitors center in Kidapawan and let them sort out a guide for you.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/kidapawan-tourist-center.html
You can make it up Mount Apo in a day and down the next, but you would have to be in pretty good athlete to make it up and down in one day.
You probably won’t need a porter but they can organize one if you do.
I think you could do the whole trip for about 1500 pesos – 8000 pesos is way over the going rate.
Have a grate climb – how about checking back in after the climb with some pointers and advice?
cheers
dp
tnx dp
for sure after our climb i will write a full guide how to or not to do it !
But now i need as much info as i can get ! does anyone know the phone number of d tourist office in kidapawan? coz i read that some guys had to wait few days till they got a guide ! coz i have a tight scedule 4.5 days in davao to do this climb n would be nice at least a day to spare to look around in davao also before heading to cebu !
Hello tbor,
Sorry – I do not have their telephone number.
The office will be closed on weekends and holidays.
dp
hi tibor,
i am planning to climb mount apo on the 12 april with my niece and like you, i only have 5 days to spend in davao. would you mind sending me the contact numbers of the tourism center please so that i can book a guide from the center. thanks
Hi naomi,
I don’t have a number – sorry.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/kidapawan-tourist-center.html
When I was there it seemed that the office personal used their own cell phones to make arrangements.
dp
A very nice blog post! ;-)
Love it.
I will climb Mt Apo with my friends this Holy Week.
We will be joining the “Singgit sa Kinaiyahan” – 1st Eco-Tourism Festival of Bansalan.
For those who want to participate in the event kindly visit this site http://dam2006.blogspot.com/2010/01/for-more-details-about-said-activity-we.html
It would be my first time to do mountain climbing and I am quite ambiguous to choose Mt. Apo as my “uno” experience. One thing is for sure:
It is a dream come true for me to climb Mt. Apo. =p
See ya there mountaineers…
Happy climbing, Bash!
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing for the night because it gets surprisingly cold on the top of Mt Apo at night!
Taking along a rain jacket or poncho would be a good idea too.
dp
i really want to go climbing to mt. apo…. how to join???
Hello jovelyn,
The best thing to do would be to get a group of friends to join you and then organize your climb at the tourism office in Kidapawan City.
Have fun!
dp
really like this site. love reading all the articles. just climbed mt apo from june 11 to 14, 2010 via kapatagan trail. the sulfur vent is at the collapse crater at the boulders facing kapatagan. transpo from davao to digos P70.00 aircon bus. digos to kapatagan P80.00 /pax for 15 person van. kapatagan to mainit P60.00. permit can be obtain at oceem office at digos city at P720.00 per person. requirements, letter of intent, 1×1 picture, medical certificate , and you have to attend their briefing at their office.
van driver and owner: kiking 09303508099 digos to kapatagan and back
multicab driver and rescuer : dodong 09301860257 kapatagan to mainit and back
only smart have signal.
theres also a room available at the kapatagan if you wish to stay, camp linaw owned by barangay councilor jun morales.
Is there a helicopter for hire going to Mt. Apo?
Hello Jelieta,
I don’t know anything about renting helicopters but they are used for search and rescue by the military.
When a hiker drowned in the lake a few years back the scuba divers were flown in by helicopter but they had to walk out as the weather deteriorated and the helicopters did not have the visibility required to pick them up.
It would be the most expensive way to get to the top for sure.
dp
Hi,
Its Mae again…It is better to go to Kidapawan City for me??? To get complete info.from them?Coz they dont have email Add. her or tel.nos…
thanks??????
Hello Mae,
I think its best to base out of Kidapawan City – organize your guide, permit etc – don’t forget your rainjacket and tent for your stay at the top of Mt Apo. It can get very cold! Brrrr
I enjoyed staying at Ye Old Barracks Suites on the road that leads up Mt Apo. The food is good, they have wi-fi and the rooms have hot showers and cable tv.
I suggest staying at the Agko Resort only the night before the climb so you can get an early start. The signal up at the resort is very weak on a good day and non existent at times. We stayed at Ye Old Barracks Suites and just headed up the mountain early in the morning. I left my bike with the guard at the Ako Springs Resort and stayed only one night on the top of Mt Apo to see the sunset and sunrise the following morning!
Beautiful!
Good luck!
dp
We are planning to have a trail to Mt. Apo this coming December. And if can go with them, it will be my First Time in Mt. Apo, but its not my first time doing a climb or a trail. But Mt. Apo will be the best mountain to climb and the most fulfilling adventure. Hope I can go. In connection with this, May i ask some more tips on the preparations to do and how to make this adventure success.
Thanks!
Thanks for this post. This is very helpful. I am getting tips because we are planning to go there this December. We are originally from Kidapawan but never been to Mt. Apo. We are here in Cavite, Luson and enjoy hiking very much. Since we are going to have vacation this December we are considering Mt. Apo hike.
You have great photos too!
Hi! thanks for many infos on your site, interesting adventures. climbing mt. Apo is a dream,,,,nice fotos. My son Kenny VdE is planning to hike & climb Mt Apo this coming Dec or Jan. 2011 together with families in the Philippines. Is it possible to plant a Belgium & Europe flag just for taking pictures? It will be a nice souvenier
Hello Aize
…shouldn’t be a problem :)
Happy climb!
dp
It seems it is a nice mountain to climb, planning to climb next year. I use to do hikking in Brunei, climb Mount kinabalu before.
Looking forward to these beautiful mountain
Brgds
we are planning to climb APO by dec. this year…. could anyone tell us how much is the registration? and how much the rate for the guide each day..salamat gid
its nice to climb mt. apo.when u experience to hike the calinan trail. their u can how “astig” u r. try it. if u want to climb mt. apo. call me when u r already in davao….082-296-05-23…… thanks…..
Going to one of the majestic place here in Philippines would be one’s greatest relief in life….. Been wanting to go there… hopefully soon …. :-)
nice post…. (^_^)
Hello everyone:
Good articles! My husband and I will be in Davao (Samal Island) mid November this year (2011) and would like to hike at Mt. Apo. We had experiences trekking at the Andes (Machu Picchu), highest peak (Dead Woman’s pass) is about 13,800 ft. and at Mt. Chirripo in Costa Rica (highest peak 12,532 ft). You mentioned medical certificate, letter of intent and pictures. Can we get these done at Kidapawan (except maybe for the medical certificate which we can obtain before we leave Florida)?
We love a good hike from time to time and since we are not getting any younger. We would love to hike Mt. Apo before we retire in a couple of years.
If a group is hiking end last week of November, we would like to join the group. Please respond
Maraming Salamat mga kababayan!
God Bless!
.
Hello Susan
I do not think that a medical certificate is required to climb Mt Apo. I don’t remember needing a photo or letter of intent either.
I suggest just showing up at the tourist office in Kidapawan on a week day ( probably closed on weekends) and make your arrangements in person. They do issue a cheesy tourist badge at the office but it is not a big deal – it just shows that you paid your park fee – ha ha! There is no problem arranging a climb on weekends in most cases. It might take the office a day to find a guide for you – they sometimes do tree planting on the slopes of Mt Apo on their off time and age in great shape!
Be sure to take along a rain poncho because it gets cold up on the top of the mountain where you will likely camp for at least one night. I took along a small mountain tent and it was a great night (but cold) up there in the crater at the top of Apo!
I spent a week in Kidapawan and enjoyed that experience too but it was raining heavily so i postponed my climb for two days. There are hot springs up there near the trail head that are worth a look too!
happy trails!
dp
plan to climb mount apo this april 2011 during holy week with my brother and frend… could anyone help us on how we can arrange our climb?… tnx po…
Hi, I’m planning to climb Apo with my brother and some friends. Would you know which month would be the best time to go up there? I just came from Pulag last month and it was so foggy, we didn’t get to see the sunrise! Would I have the same problems with Apo? With the fog and rain, I mean. And is it as cold as Pulag? Or colder? Thanks! :)
Hello
I don’t know how Mt Apo compares with Pulag but it was pretty cold at the summit at night! Be sure to take rain gear with you because being wet at night would not be very nice :)
I only climbed Mt Apo one time and really can not advise when would be the best time to climb weather wise. I have heard that there can be a crowd at the top during school holidays but maybe some readers can add some advice?
thanks
dp
When was your trip to Mt. APO. I really appreciate your pictures.
Hello
I think it was in the month of June 2009.
dp
Thank you so much for the response! My daughter and her boyfriend are joining us in December 2011 and we are all looking forward to this trip. The pictures posted are so awesome! If you think of anything else that we need to do to make our trip more enjoyable, please post it. I will be checking this website until close to the time we are leaving for the Philippines in December.
Thanks again for your help and God bless!
Sincerely,
The Pantons
“Chilly” and “cold” are subjective terms. I’m from Canada. Can you tell me what the actual temperature was at night or would anyone know ?
Hello Charlie
I would say that the temperature was near freezing. That in itself is not that serious- but if you had to spend the night in wet clothing after walking in a misty rain all day getting to the top of Apo there would be danger of becoming hypothermic.
dp
You must had a wonderful adventure in Mt. Apo. I haven’t climbed the Mt Apo yet, Perhaps this summer.
By the way, you and your readers might want to check my step by step procedures on
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Nonoy
The link did not seem to work but feel free to up date it
try with the www. etc . com
ingat
dp
Im planning a trip to Mt. Apo but 3 days is too long for me. I am also puzzled as to why it is taking 3 days, how many miles is it from the trailhead to the peak? 20 miles ?
I have climed mountains above 14000 ft and it was done in 1 day, the only difference is we do a lot of workout before attempting to climb. I climb mountains above 9000 ft every 2 weeks as 1 day ascent (usually do lunch at the peak and then descend), is it possible to climb Mt Apo shorter than 3 days ?
I appreciate your comments and also if you know anyone climbing Mt Apo in April before Apr 23, to contact me
Have a great day.
Hello Monique :)
People can reply to you here on this forum if you like !
I did not publish your email because automatic systems might copy it and flood you with junk mail – hope that you understand :)
I think that most hikers in reasonable shape can climb to the top one day – spend the night up there and watch the sunrise the following morning – and then hike down to the starting point. The camping is usually done in the flat grassy crater near the top of Mt Apo.
Just a word of caution ! he he – the nights can get very cold up there so be sure to have some dry warm clothing to sleep in.
A rain poncho is a very important item to have also – you do not want to get soaking wet if it rains! I took along a small two man mountain tent to camp in. Put your shoes under the tent flap too or they will be wet and very cold in the morning.
Have fun!
dp
Anyone have any information on mt. biking up -or at least on parts, of Mt. Apo? I have biked up trails to similar heights before.
My first climb is in Lake Maughan. I hope i could make it in Mt. Apo on my second attempt. I very excited on April 18, 2011 (HOLY WEEK). I will be participating in RED CROSS this HOLY WEEK.
Good luck and happy trip :)
dp
“Take nothing but PICTURES,
Leave nothing but FOOTPRINTS and
Kill nothing but TIME”..
Sayings of Mt.Apo that i cant forget.. =)
1st climb sa Mt. Apo .. Success!!..
Hello! Excellent pictures! Amazing! I am interested to know more about hiking at Mt. Apo, I would like to ask if it is safe for a foreigner to hike alone? If you agree that a joining a group is best, can I join there right before the hike or should I best coordinate in advance?
Thank you so much. I will be glad and appreciate your reply to my message, also if you can send me further info or whom to contact to before planning to go on hike at Mt. Apo. Thank you so much.
Hello Reen,
I think that park regulations require that you hire a guide. Some are available through the tourist office in town at the Kidapawan tourist office.
It would be best to organize everything in advance even though the climb is not that difficult. Most climbers spend a night at the summit so that they can catch the sunrise from the top in the morning. Climbing Mt Apo is not a technical climb but bring sufficient clothing that will protect from rain and the cold at the top at nite. It gets surprisingly cold up there at the camping area near the peak.
have fun
dp
Hi Mr.Ricky! How are you by this time? Thank you for this post ….it’s help a lot for my plan in climbing mt.apo. Stay well!
best regards,
Ms.Rhea/Capul
Hi! been surfing on rubber ree when I happen to open your website.. Glad to know you have visited my hometown, Kidapawan and climed the highest mountain… I’m a mountaineer and loved outdoor activities.. If you have friends who wants to climb Mt. Apo, I can help them.
Thanks,
dorothy
Hi! were planning to go to mt apo Feb2012 would you give us name that we can contact for guides and that would arrage permits for us,
TY
Hello yolly
Try to contact the Kidapawan tourist center with your request. They have a list of guides that they use.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/kidapawan-tourist-center.html
happy climb
dp
ps don’t forget rain gear and warm dry clothing that you can wear the night at the summit – it can be very cola at the top of the mountain at night
Hello DP:
The four of us are all excited about our hiking in December. Thank you so much for the advice which we will all take seriously. How soon can we make reservation for a guide? We will be staying at Samal Island but would try to get to Kidapawan tourist center first thing in the morning. We will try to do it in two days as we are flying back to Manila that Saturday. Any suggestions? I appreciate your assistance in making our trip enjoyable!
The Pantons
Hello Susan Panton,
I am not really sure because I do not have a number for the Kidapawan Tourist center. I think that you will not have a problem making it to the top of Mount Apo in one day if you don’t get sidetracked or stop too often. Some groups like to camp out at a rest area about half way up the mountain but this is not really necessary.
I really enjoyed camping out in the crater at the top of Mount Apo but be advised that it gets surprisingly cold up there at nite. Be sure to bring rain gear – I also took along a tent. Some dry clothes to sleep in would also be invaluable. There is a small spring of water near the top where you can fill your water bottles and get water for your rice.
Getting up early in the morning to watch the sunrise from the peak is a very special sight.
It might also be nice to soak in the hot water at the Lake Agko Resort before heading back to Kidapawan.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/lake-agko-resort-mount-apo.html
I suggest not being in too much of a rush and take time to enjoy everything.
I like to stay at thye Old Barracks Suites in Kidapawan. They have great food and a wi-fi connection.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/old-barracks-suites-kidapawan.html
I really enjoyed my times in Kidapawan and on the mountain – in fact I love Mindanao : )
cheers
dp
Dear DP,
Thanks for the info. By the way, we don’t want to buy tents – any place we can rent them? We will have our sleeping bags but no tents. We will try to bring a lot of cooked food so we don’t have to cook. Any fast food will do.
Stay well and many thanks.
Hello Susan,
I am not really sure if anyone would have tents to rent in the area or at the tourist office. Be sure to at least bring a plastic tarp because it will provide some protection if it rains.
We had no problems cooking rice and it really was nice after a long day hiking – I also brought along some tins of sardines and skyflakes. There is also a small cave near the tp where some of the guys slept. It seemed to be vary nice and sheltered.
You can hire porters that will be happy to carry camping gear to the top for you (if you choose to go that route). Just remember to bring protection from the rain and cold – very important. I met a European climber that was coming down after a miserable cold night at the crater . He was very disappointed because he was very wet and cold the previous night.. I think he might have even been hypothermic. In my group we all stayed dry and had a reasonably comfortable nite. We even did a midnight climb to to peak just to look around. Very nice !
dp
Thanks for the suggestions. Will make sure we have something to cover ourselves and bring warm clothing. Can’t wait for the trip – this would be the highlight! Will keep you posted
Many thanks!
Hello Susan,
Happy trip : ) The view from Mt Apo is stunning
You will love it !
For sure – let us know how the climb went – thank you
dp
I am 60 years old filipino living in the US will like to climb Mt. Apo next year.
My experience in hiking is not very much. I do some hiking every two weeks for about three hours in the hill of california.
My concern, will I be able to climb Mt.Apo even it takes my two or three days?
Diffeculty of the climb?
How is the security safety in the area?
Thanks,
ed
Hello Ed,
I think that you will be able to climb My Apo. There are some very helpful guides and you can control the pace.
You might also want to avail of the porters that will be happy to carry your pack. I feel the security is pretty good and I really like Kipapawan.
I prefer to stay at the Old Barracks Suites
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/mindanao/old-barracks-suites-kidapawan.html
Be sure to bring rain gear and a small tent : )
I am not in great shape but had no problem climbing to the top of Apo in one day and then camping out in the crater for the nite so we could observe the sunrise the following morning. Some hikers camp at a campsite on the way up and make it a two day up climb and one day down. Best not to rush because the trail gets slippery when it becomes muddy : )
happy trails
dp
Hi dutchpickle – is it ok to beginners to climb mt.apo?
we will be doing a 2-day climb in march.
Can you please suggest an itenerary for a 2-day like. please.
We are planning to go to kidapawan a night before and start trek earliest in the mornig.
Thank you and godbless.
Maville
Hello Maville,
I think that most people would enjoy climbing this mountain if they are reasonably fit and do not try to rush the pace too much.
The problem you will run into is trying to organize the climb with guide the day before you plan to climb. You also will have to consider the weather – sometimes there are heavy rains on the mountain and that will make thinks very difficult.
If you can – try to book a guide a few days or so before the attempt.
The basic itinerary would be to start the climb from Agko Resort in the morning and camp out in the crater at the top of Mt. Apo the first night. Wake early in the morning to watch the sun rise from the peak – it is a very beautiful sight!
Take some chocolate bars and snacks for energy on your way to the top. I also suggest taking your time and take a short break every now and then. Be sure to take rain ponchos and take a good tent if you can. Sleeping out in the open is no fun if it is raining.
Enjoy !
dp
Thank you! do you have any phone number? so that we can settle a guide earlier?
Maville
Good day Sir!
I would like to ask for an itenerary for two days.
Just like your IT climbing before. Something detailed? Please.
So that we can base it with ours on our climb.
Like a time to time itenerary for us to have a good pacing.
Appreciate your help.
Thanks a lot.
Loloy
I do not have the current number- when I was there last he staff would juct give out their personal contact number
Maybe the situation is different now – anyone have an update?
dp
Hello loloy,
In my case I booked a guide – “Richard” several days before the climb. Very good man and a student at the local college. He also worked on reforestation projects on Mt Apo planting trees. I arranged this guide through the tourist office there in Kidapawan.
It was raining so hard that we waited 3 days before actually attempting the climb. I enjoyed the wait because I had a nice room at the Barracks Inn Suites which is on the road leading up to the trail head on Mt Apo. They have a good restaurant and bake shop and wi-fi connection so I just landed up staying there a week. I enjoy the Kidapawan area so it was cool.
I had a small Honda motorbike so I drove to the Lake Agko Resort with the guide and another trekker and our gear, I think Agko is about 17 kilometers up into the mountain. I left the bike with the security guy there as he was a relative of Richard the guide. You might want to consider hiring a jeepney to take tour party up to Agko Resort. It is just too far to walk up there from the main highway. You can even spend the night at the simple resort there if that works out for you. Take along your food and other supplies as there is not much available up on the mountain once you reach this point.
We landed up climbing as a party of 5 people. We climbed at a steady pace and took a few breaks along the way including doing a little exploring around Lake Venado. Then we walked to the crater near the top of Mt Apo. I set up my tent and the other 4 guys slept in a small cave up there. After a dinner of rice and fish we took a walk to the peak of Mt Apo in the middle of the night just to enjoy the view.
Summary – We began the climb from Agko Resort around 8-9 am the first day and were relaxing at the top of Mt Apo around 4 pm or so. It is very cold at night camping on the top of Apo so be sure to have warm clothing to sleep in and have rain gear so that you can stay dry.
We got up early to watch the sun rise – very beautiful. Then we spread our tarps to dry in the sun and made a little breakfast. Shortly thereafter we descended from the mountain and got back to the Agko Resort around 2-3 pm Some of us swam in the hot springs on the way down : )
2 days was enough for our group but many climbers do it in 3 days because they want to spend more time on the mountain or prefer a slower pace
happy trails !
dp
Please email naman kayo kong kailan ang next mount apo adventure schedule.
Hi..
Is it okay to climb solo during the first week of April 2012?
Sounds ok to me!
dp
Hi,
Does the rate of the guide now is still 500 per day?
Please let me know.
Thank you!
Hello Jovs,
I do not know what the guide fees are now . I think that 500 is a little too cheap really. Porters can also be hired to carry gear if needed.
dp