Mt Apo is the mightiest mountain in the Philippine archipelago, and it dominates the otherwise meagre tourist scene in North Cotabato. The park covers roughly 136,000 acres in Mindanao.
The mountain is actually the result of an ancient volcano that has long since gone dormant. The old geological activity pushed the summit to over 10,000 feet, making this the highest point in the country. Myriad outdoor activities are on the agenda here.
Hiking and climbing are the most popular pastime, and there are several trails that lead to the summit, originating in Cotabato as well as Davao. The ascent is challenging in places and requires anywhere from two to four days. Day-hikes are possible on the lower reaches of the slopes.
The landscape is spectacular. Large tracts of the forest have been protected for nearly 100 years so there is plenty of old-growth around the volcano. Volcanic lakes are also found at several points, culminating in Lake Venado, the former crater of Mt Apo.
One of the highlights of the park is the endangered Philippine eagle, the largest eagle in the world. These enormous birds prey on monkeys and flying lemurs, mate for life and live as long as 60 years.
Getting There & Away
Ultimate access is through Davao City, one of the most important transportation hubs on Mindanao. From here visitors can catch a bus to Digos and then to Kapatagan. From here, minivans and jeepneys climb to Marawer where the trailhead to the summit begins. It can take a couple of hours due to all the intermittent connections.