MT. APO (KAPATAGAN-KIDAPAWAN TRAVERSE)
Davao del Sur and North Cotabato
Entry point: Brgy. Mainit, Digos
Exit point: Brgy. Ilomavis, Kidapawan City
LLA: 7°0′30″N, 125°16′33″E, 2,956 MASL (#1)
Days required / Hours to summit: 3 days / 10-11 hours
Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 2-4
BACKGROUND
The different flavors of a Mt. Apo climb are reflected in the different trails, and in the past decade two major trails have emerged: the Kidapawan Trail in North Cotabato and the Kapatagan Trail in Davao. Whereas the Kidapawan Trail features hot springs, river crossings, and a steep forested trail that leads to a swampland ultimately leading to Venado, the Kapatagan Trail on the other hand has a more "volcanic" feel - initially wide trails lead to a mossy forest; and then arrives the challenge of boulering your way up the crater of Mt. Apo and ultimately reaching the summit - the highest point in the Philippines. The two trails form a traverse of Mt. Apo, spanning two provinces and the above-mentioned attractions.
SPECIAL CONCERNS
Budget
This is commonly the number one concern when climbing Mt. Apo, and I suppose we should begin with the expenses involved. Of old we often hear of backpacking groups making their way to Mindanao via SuperFerry, or even via the Philtranco bus. With the advent of budget air travel, however, it is no longer recommended to resort to these measures. Instead, fares may be purchased from Cebu Pacific between P3000-4000 roundtrip, if you book early. Aside from the airfare, the climbing fees are also quite expensive. As of 2010, the prices have increased even more (with fees reaching P1000 per trail).
Transportation
From Davao, whether bound for Kapatagan or Kidapawan, the departure point is Davao's Ecoland Terminal. The jeepney system in Davao City is quite complex, but it is very convenient to just take a taxi to the terminal. Night trips are limited especially those coming from North Cotabato, so please check the last trip while in Ecoland.
Logistics
Fuel and food may be conveniently purchased in Davao City's malls, while market supplies may be bought in Digos or Kidapawan markets. Climbing notes. Water sources are available in Camp 1 and the summit. Being an inactive volcano, Mt. Apo has sulfuric vents and there are some parts that have a mildly sulfuric smell on both sides of the traverse, more so on Kapatagan. Cellphone signal is absent in some parts of the trail but it is strong in the summit and good on Lake Venado,
TRIVIA
Henceforth, assault will refer to segments of climbs when light packs are commonly employed and the heavy packs are left at campsite.
Note:
Thanks to PinoyMountaineers.com owned by Dr. Gideon Lasco for the informations we used in this website.