Facts
- Elevation: 2,286 m (7,500 ft)
- Prominence: 1,948 m
- Ribu category:
Tinggi Sedang - Region:
Mindanao - Coordinates: 6.3600, 125.0758
- Rating:
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Loading... - World Ribus ID: 69514
Bagging It!
Mount Matutum is the highest point in South Cotabato and one of Mindanao’s most isolated peaks. Its summit features a well-preserved 320 m-wide crater with a 120 m-deep, forested floor breached by three gorges. It’s frequently climbed via organized treks. The mountain is deeply sacred to the Blaan indigenous community, and pilgrims often participate in tree‑planting and ritual activities like the annual Amyak Maleh event before ascent. Diverse forest zones support endangered species including the Philippine eagle, tarsier, endemic orchids, and rare birds.
The trail from the south-west at Glandang (1,020m) to summit is about 7 km, involving ~1,300 m of elevation gain. Many hikers tackle it in a single day, while others spend the night at Basecamp (1,200m) along the way or even near the summit. Estimated trek time: 4–6 hours up, 3–4 hours down depending on fitness and conditions.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: The most common starting point is Sitio Glandang within Barangay Kablon in Tupi municipality, about 40 km north of General Santos City. Climbers typically register at the Tupi Municipal Hall (permit office) and then take a habal-habal (motorbike) to the trailhead near Glandang.
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- Permits: Climbers must secure a permit from Tupi Municipal Tourism Office: ₱150 (locals), ₱250 (foreigners). This includes mandatory orientation and hiring a local Blaan guide/porter (approx. ₱500). Permits typically require a one-day processing time at the municipal hall.
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- Water sources: Stream water is available at Camp 1 (Phase I)—often the last reliable source before the summit. Many trekkers fill containers here.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Davao City) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The Blaan people call it “Amyak Maleh”, meaning “climb and plant”, reflecting their ritual of planting a tree at the trailhead before the ascent—symbolizing stewardship and respect.