Facts
- Elevation: 2,954 m (9,692 ft)
- Prominence: 2,954 m
- Ribu category:
Tinggi Sedang - Region:
Mindanao - Coordinates: 6.9873, 125.2710
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Mount Apo (Apo Sandawa) is the highest peak in the Philippines. Its summit is accessible via established trails and most climbers take 2–3 days. The first documented ascent occurred in October 1880 led by Joaquin Rajal, Joseph Montano and Fr. Mateo Gisbert, following local tribal permission. Since then, it has become a well-known multi-day trek among both locals and international hikers.
The massif is considered sacred by indigenous Manobo, Bagobo, Kalagan and other Lumad groups. The spirit Apo Sandawa is revered as the ancestral guardian spirit and rituals led by tribal shamans are still practiced before treks. The landscape transitions from tropical rainforest, through mossy mid-zone forest, to grasslands near the summit. Lying north of the summit, Lake Venado (2,280 m) serves as a high camp for many hikers on the Kidapawan trail, with shelters and platforms for tents.
Here is some preliminary information on the trail options, based on OTM data:
The Santa Cruz trail from the east at Culan (1,200m) near Baroring Creek. Via Basakan Camp (1,590m), Big Rock Camp (1,870m), Tinikaran Camp 1 (2,075m), Tinikaran Camp 2 (2,250m), Gabroq (2,560m) and White Sand Camp (2,800m) after which it joins with the Kapatagan trail just below the summit.
The Kapatagan trail from the south-east at Mainit (1,430m) near Marawer Creek. Via Sitio Paradise Camp (1,620m), Clearing (2,080m), Upper Sabwag (2,100m), Baroring Camp (2,140m), Camp Gudi-gudi (2,250m).
The Kidapawan trail from the north-west (1,270m) which leads alongside the Marbel River to Lake Venado (2,280 m).
The middle summit is approximately 3 metres higher than the eastern peak.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: The closest city is Davao but many hikers stay in Santa Cruz (45 km southwest of Davao) the night before the hike.
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- Permits: Mount Apo lies within the Mt. Apo Natural Park, established by Philippine law—permits are required via park registration offices in Davao or trailheads. While guides and porters aren’t legally required, most hikers opt to hire them for safety, navigation and to aid communication with local communities.
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- Water sources: Water is available at lower elevations from streams and rivers, and at Lake Venado campsite (2,280m). Above the lake, water becomes scarce.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Davao City) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The name “Apo” (from Apo Sandawa) means “Grandfather” or “Revered Elder” in local Manobo and Kalagan languages. The mountain is considered the spiritual home of Apo Sandawa, ancestral spirit and protector of the people.
Hiked Mt Apo a few years ago going up via Santa Cruz trail and coming down via Kidapawan trail. Lake Venado was pretty dry when I was there. It’s a 3D2N guided hike with pick up and return from Davao city.