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
This major hiking destination is available in PinoyMountaineer Climbing Packages. For just P12,000 for a minimum of 10 persons, avail of a Mt. Apo expedition including roundtrip airfare from Manila! Click here for more details.
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. Another common route, Kidapawan-Magpet which focuses on the North Cotabato side of the mountain, is detailed on the original Mt. Apo page in PinoyMountaineer.
ITINERARY
From Davao City
Day 1
0500 Early breakfast
0600 At Davao Ecoland Terminal, take bus to Digos
0730 ETA Digos; take tricycle to Digos market
0800 Breakfast / Buy supplies
0900 Take Kapatagan-bound van
1100 ETA Kapatagan; Registration. Arrange guides.
1130 Take habal-habal to Mainit jumpoff
1200 Arrival at jumpoff; start trek
1730 ETA Camp 1 (Goodygoody camp). Set up camp
1830 Dinner / socials
Day 2
0600 Breakfast / Break camp
0800 Commence trek to crater via Boulder trail.
1200 Arrival at crater. Lunch
1300 Arrival at Mt. Apo summit; Set up camp
1400 Explore vast summit area
Day 3
0600 Breakfast / Break summit camp
0700 Start descent
0900 ETA Lake Venado
1200 ETA Mainit Hot Spring; start river crossing
1500 End of trek, Lake Agko
1600 Take habal-habal to Kidapawan City
1700 ETA Kidapawan City; take van to Davao City
2000 Back in Davao City
*The reversibility of this itinerary is not exact but complementary; if doing a Kidpawan-Kapatagan traverse, the reverse of Day 3 will become Day 1-2; the reverse of Day 1-2 will become Day 3.
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). For a hassle-free Mt. Apo climb, one can arrange a climb through PinoyMountaineer.com. Click this page for more details.
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.
MT. APO TRAILS
Mt. Apo/Kidapawan-Magpet: Davao + North Cotabato / 2956m (#1)
Mt. Apo/Kapatagan-Kidapawan: Davao + North Cotabato / 2956m (#1)
Mt. Apo/Sibulan-Kapatagan: Davao del Sur / 2956m (#1)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Mt. Apo/Kapatagan-Kidapawan Traverse Trail (2,956+)
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70 comments:
we've climed and got to the summit of mt apo last nov 22-24.. and all i can say is,it's one hell of an adventure.. felt great at d summit and going over d trail, kidapawan-kapatagan made this climb d most memorable and enriching one for me..i never thought id climb this mountain but thanks to my Sykes Outdoor group, you're great guys.. thanks for sharing the experience with me..
plus we did have a sidetrip to camp sabros, where we did zipline and also white white water rafting in davao.. one adventure of a lifetime..
Mt. Apo is a dream come true been there last nov 22-24 im also with SYKES OUTDOOR the experience is very memorable and challenging as well... TROY our expedition leader told us... "reaching the country's rooftop aint an easy feat.. traversing region 12 to region 11, kidapawan to kapatagan with weather disturbance is painstaking... share the glory!" thank you guys! you're the best! also our group would like to acknowledge the efforts of SIR GIDEON LASCO kudos to you sir thank you for keeping us informed with your website and pinoymountaineer is indeed the leading mountaineering website in the country! also to SIR ERWIN "PASTOUR" EMATA (2nd Filipino to Summit MT. EVEREST)our guide in the "Roof of the Phil" MT. APO.. The grandfather of phil mountains,The Majestic peak of the south,the highest peak in the country...one adventure of a lifetime...
ALAB NG PUSO! Kailanma'y hindi sumuko... TAGUMPAY!!! I SALUTE YOU FELLOW MOUNTAINEERS!
We are planning to open the Mt. APO Davao Side trail via Baracatan hopefully matulungan nyo kami for this proposal. dahil sa tingin ko ito ang pinaka magandang trail sa lahat.
from Boyet ng Sandawa Apo Batch 86
sir gideon were planning to climb mount apo 1st week of march, kumusta po pala ang temperature don compared to pulag that time of year? galing po kami pulag last DEC sobrang ginaw. ano appropriate na clothing dalhin?
no offense bro,my opinion for your proposal....i dont agree with that,it'll just degrade the beauty of the mountain.we already have a lot of trails going to the summit,i dont think its necessary....well,you can still push through your proposal anyway it's just my opinion.
@boyet, et al: we are in favor of opening new trails for popular mountains to unburden the load of the other trails and their respective carrying capacities. however, any attempt to do so must be coordinated with the DENR and the local government. they are in the best position to judge whether reopening new trails may be justified.
if you have a proposal, however, we can also study it so we can give our opinion regarding the plan.
hey man, how about the climate??? is it as cold as pulag up there?? pls. man need to know, we'll be going there in a couple of weeks
sir a newbie here. i was wondering what needed for the camping/backpacking for mt apo?? thanks.
you can reach me at MASTERZYPHER@YAHOO.COM
if you're going w/ a mountaineering group they could always take care of stoves and cooksets for the group. for your personal needs:
1. water container or bladder 3 lts.
2. poncho or raincoat
3. at least 3 t-shirts(quick dry material)
4. gloves
5. bonnet for the cold summit
6. sleeping bag
7. tent
you can also bring trail foods, i prefer powerbars light and healthy...
when are you planning to climb?
Hi!duntug! Our group will be climbing mt apo on march 6 via kapatagan. Baka sabay tayo. We hope to jump off from mainit at about 9am of march 6. I suggest you bring raincoats and to keep you warm. mag layering kayo. You can start with thermal underwear which you can buy at SM. Tapos dry fit shirt. Sweater. Then jacket. Gloves and bonnet. That should keep you warm.
Hi duntug! jay z here I suggest u bring raincoats,jackets,bonnets,extra poncho,gloves and scarves kc last tym na pumanik kami last nov. biglang nagka storm ng walang warning sa summit sobrang lamig nya temp dropped to 3 degrees and also kung dadaan kayo sa boulders medyo amoy sulfur cya u can use ur scarf as a mask na din instead of using an earthpad i suggest u use insulator u can buy it sa local hardware stores its cheaper and mas pack lite cya and its really warm even our guide is using one and pastour emata told us na un din ang ginagamit nila sa everest... good luck sa climb sa apo! power to yah!
bring thermal blanket mga sirmam. and if ur planning to camp sa summit bring breads or fuds na luto na or yung pagsaing niyo ng lunch sabay niyo na dinner. medyo mahirap magsaing sa taas , lakas ng hangin. may water source sa summit.;)
Thinking about Mt Apo in April... Is there a supplier of screw-on Iso-butane canisters in Davao? Like those made by MSR, Primus, and SnowPeak.... Appreciate any information. Would like info on potential rental gear suppliers as well.
Thank you,
Oregontripper
Portland, Oregon USA
hello planning on climbing this april. what should i wear to start? shorts? jogging pants ? slippers or shoes ? or any advise tnx
@oregontripper: im not sure about supplies in davao. hopefully the guys from davao will comment - i can ask our correspondent from mindanao.
@mark
sir if your taking kapatagan-kidapawan traverse wear trek shoes and trek pants. bring gloves also. bring the 40liter packs na di lagpas sa ulo niyo, may mga gapangan at suutan na sasabit ang packs kung mataas. bring rope also since may trail pababa na nag-erode, you can use the rope to secure your team para di diretso sa bangin just in case madulas. and gaya ng post ko po sa taas bring foods na luto na, dahil mahirap magsaing sa summit sa gabi. ingat po sa lahat.:)
@oregontripper
sir theres a shop in davao named HABAGAT, you can google their website to inquire for butane canisters you're loking for. Goodluck!
hi... may kakilala kau nah pwede mg-guide sa amin ppnta mt. apo? when and how?? please ...... nikka
nikka jay z here u can contact our guide in mt. Apo the name is LITO but he prefers to be called CHARLES hehehe pero lito talaga name nya he is a close friend of pastour emata of the everest team e2 number nya LITO 09212591275 Sana makatulong ingat sa climb god bless!
ano ba yang mt.apo n yan sa lake venado may nagtitinda na ang sagwa nman nawawala ang climbing spirit ...magtinda nlang din kaya tayo hahahahah .yung gustong umakyat sa mt apo wag nag tumuloy ang pangit maraming tindahan parang boracay yakkkks .dapat bawalan yan
sir gideon, makakadaan pa ba sa mainit hot spring pababa from venado? just heard from someone na di nadaw ito passable, kc daw under na ito ng PNOC?
For those hardcore enthusiasts, you can also try the Talomo-Apo double-major traverse. Entry is in Calinan (Tamayong trail), up Mount Talomo, cross to Lake Venado, up Mount Apo and exit either Kapatagan or Kidapawan. They say the jungle trek is superb though this is not for the faint of heart as this will involve 6-7 days with an average of 8-hour trek time per day. I haven't tried it myself though I plan to do so next year (2010). This trek takes you deep into the heart of the Mount Apo National Park (the thick jungle you see between Apo and Talomo). If you exit at Kapatagan, your climb experience will be complete with a trek down the boulder face. ;-)
Ganun talaga pag Holy Week kayo aakyat... may manininda, parang fiesta... mas maganda kung hindi kayo sasabay sa Holy Week crowd. The Mainit trial is not passable due to the threat of landslides (as per other Mountaineers). The trail has been diverted through Ko-ong (you take a right on the way down and by-pass Mainit). The Marbel River will still be trekked though the River trek will be shorter...
Talomo-Apo is very very interesting to me. thanks for bringing this up!
i have no updates right now regarding the kidapawan trail but as far as i know it is still passable.
March 16-20 climb to Mt.Apo. Thanks to our Davao guides Alids (09159444466) and Gerry (09297317388) who not only guided us but cooked our meals and pitched the tents for us. We had a great time especially watching the sunrise at the peak. The Kapatagan-Ilomavis trail was punishing but exhilirating and the dip at Agko Resort hot spring was refreshing. Mike, Mimmy, Philip and John...Sydney
kumusta sa mga mountaineers im from novaliches q.c share ko lang experience climb ko sa apo last march1 to 5 sariwa pa din sa isip ko ang adventure na nangyari sa buhay actually first climb ko to talagang nabigla ako sa climb at hirap at sa mga gamit ko puro kulang d ako prepared sa climb namin buti nalang nandyan mga friend ko na nakihiram ako ng gamit sa kanila. jacket,tent,pinggan,kutsara.... wala akong quick dry na damit d ko alam na ganun kahalaga mga gamit pati gloves wala ako lintik pala sa lamig dun sa peak. advice ko lang take muna ng minor before major kc sa totoo lang d ka gaanung enjoy.parang survival na lang talaga nagyari nakakatawa na kakainis ang feeling pero dko akalain first climb ko highest in the phils nakaya ko salamat sa mga ka buddy ko sa climb na to at sa best tour guide namin ung sa taas....... nature lover
hellow sir gideon
I am a freelance mountaineer (by choice) here in davao city and have climbed Apo thrice thru 3 different routes (kapatagan, bansalan and kidapawan). I read somewhere in the comments that you are interested with the Talomo to Apo Traverse, well... same here! :-) This trail is one of our dreams, hope we can collaborate one of these days for the plan. We have heard that Talomo up to this date is close because of reasons like the Military Insurgencies and environmental issues. We would be very glad to have you with this route.
Maricar of davao city
hello maricar,
yes i am very interested in doing futher explorations in southern mindanao. please email me at info@pinoymountaineer.com so i can contact you about this!
gid
Hi! I too have conquered Mt. Apo via this trail during a recent vacation back to my hometown, Davao City, mid-March this year. (thanks to our guides, my mates Jer & Lids!). It was one of the most difficult yet astounding adventures I have ever experienced. The view from the peak is indescribable (esp during sunrise). Can’t wait to try a different trail on my next visit!
Happy trekking!
Rgds, Mi (myrnagrace25@yahoo.com.au)
PS. congrats to my dad who conquered Mt Apo at the age of 50! you're the best!
freedom climb.....mt apo here we come!!!
"pag malipot, magkapot sa lobot"
kita kits sa freedomclimb.. mt.apo
we were the only participants at mt apo freedom climb, 14 of us, 5 bicolanos,1 from valenzuela, 3 palaweños and the rest from davao.. it was a great experience.. hell yeah. tnx to engr albert gabriel for giving us the best rocking moments during the climb.. \m/ rock on.. no matter how heavy your load is, as long as you bring redhorse beer , its worh it. believe me you gonna need it at the camp site. ito ang TAMA....
is oct/nov a good month to climb Mt. Apo.?
may nakontak ako sa davao php5500 daw pag solo cimb including transpo,guide,porter, registration, certificate,tent, stove,cookset,,,,,,
yung food ng porter at guide sagot ng climber
airfare- 4400 rt
climb fee- 5500
pocket monay- 5000
total;;;;;;; 14,900php
dami ko mabibiling durian chips at pastillas ohooo ohooo wohooooooo
JR
wohoooo update yung 5500 petot yun ang price pag solo pwede pa mabawasan yun hahaha... yung trail is sibulan-kidapawan traverse
jr
sarap umakyat ng apo. kaso nagmahal ng 100 pesos ang registration fee via kapatagan. 600 na ngaun. 350 for student kaya dala kayo ng ID. Last climb Oct. 23-26, 2009. Kapatagan - Kidapawan Trail.
sana maakyat ko rin ang apo.. baka po may magyaya dyn, sama naman ako..
-melo/09183436034/melosanchez.multiply.com
will be climbing mt apo this dec 27-29
sir prehas tau ng date ng climb 27-29 din kmi ksma kmi s MMS openclimb ng APO-kapatagan-kidapawan trail..kita kits n lng..
prodigy..LMT
mga sir kita kita nalang tyo sa apo dec 27 29 din ang climb namin.......
we will climb mt. apo on March 29 to April 01 of 2010. If anyone is interested to join you can email me at piccolo_914@yahoo.com. Mas marami mas masaya and mas tipid.
nkrting n me ng mt.apo noong march.27-31 2008 bgo me ikasal 1 month b4,mssbi ko lng mghanda k u lht ng dpt dalhin,mag ingat k u dhil my part s pg lagpas ng lake venado pbb s ilog n gumuguho ang lupa.pngalagaan ntin ang buong nsskupan ng mt.apo.kapatagan-kidapawan trail ang aming dnaanan,s lht ng gustong subukin ang pg akyat s mt.apo,gudluck n enjoy!....d k mag sisisi...msaya,my hrap,at d mo mlilimutan hanggag s iyong pg tnda n ikaw 1 s pmilya mo n nkrting s pnk mtaas n bundok s buong pilipinas...pgktapos nyn isinunod ko ang kota kinabalu at mt.kalimanjaru,...NEVER STOP EXPLORING!
piccolo, sir, gusto sana namin climb apo pero april 1-4 lng kami pwede.. 5 kami.
@ anonymous sir/mam tingnan ko po muna kung pwede pa namin maiadjust ung sked namin for this climb. email nyo na lang po ako para mainform ko po kayo.
mr/ms anonymous/mr.piccolo
interested din kami 7 kami...april 1-4 lang din kami pwede.... jason mlee.. feel free to contact/txt me...09108123131/09238718317
i am just curious, is it safe to bring a foreigner?
can i also join the climb on april 1-4 im coming from baguio can you email me ur i.t. so ill know what route your taking? do email me Will, wilcapjr@yahoo.com thanks
if wala pa kayo service a susundo sa inyo sa davao airport papunta sa jumpoff saka pagsundo,,eto contact number ng driver na pwede maging service nyo pati na rin mga sidetrip nyo sa davao..name nung driver is ogie 09086669468...
ive climbed apo twice. pinakamahirap na trail pa rin papuntang apo ung talomo to apo transverse. 5 days na mabilisang lakad un pwo aus naman sulit ang pagod. going to apo ds holy week via bansalan trail naman. hehe. see u at the peak fellow climbers.
I've climb Mt. Apo last Dec2008 via Kapatagan-kidapawan trail. What a experience, unforgetable talaga. Masarap at Hirap pinagsama talaga, breath taking naman pag narating mo na ung summit... at lalo na kung explore nyo ung 4peaks ng APO... =)
To all my fellow climber who will conquer Mt.Apo stay safe and enjoy... (Magbaon ng mahabang pasensya) hehe
- PROPHET 45
Never in my life dreaming of climbing the highest mountain peak Mt.Apo.But since my adventurous husband wants our 3 teenage kids to see the summit so I joined them rather than magworry to death ako @ home thinking of them..Twas indeed very risky & challengng,but really enjoyed the trek w/my family..that was May 26-28,2008.We tooked the Kidapawan kapatagan trail.Who said 52 yr. olds can't climb Mt. Apo? Thanks God for the great opportunity He gave us.Thanks din sa patient tour guides namin Ej,Rudy.
grabe ung tril kpagud msyadong malau pero pgnkarating kna sa pick wow grabe sarap ng pling.!! that was my 1st hiking na kmasa mo almost 1 thousand people the `1st bansalan singit sa kinaiyahan mt. apo opening tril.!~
Hi all, ill be on a solo climb on April 25, just want to know if someone will be climbing also. Would be great to meet new friends up there. Cheers
Hi guys! We are planning to climb Mt. Apo by last quarter of the year... hopefully open na yung APO... we are looking for interested participants... visit our site for future updates...
www.voyageradventureclub.multiply.com
Thanks...
I went there from Kapatagan to Kidapawan last April 26, meet 2 groups up there both from Kidapawan. Seems wala namang problema about closure.
hello guys, pwede makahingi ng idea kung magkano ang regular fee ng guide sa apo per day? yong contact kasi namin masyadong mahal, pahingi na rin ng contact number ng mga guides sa apo. salamat and more power. taga cebu kami, climb sked june 10 to 15 2010, kapatagan trail
guide is 500/day
porter is 400/day
they live in kapatagan, if price is ok, i can give you their contact numbers. taga cebu pud ko.
contact me i can be your guide to mt.apo 500/day this is my no.09193612419
sir can i have their numbers? mine is 09268041656. im from cebu, member of kalit-kalit mountaineering group. thanks
can i have their numbers please? mahal kaayo ang uban, 1500 per day hingi nila, grabe naman. my number is 09268041656
will be climbing mt. apo june 11 to 14, anybody else climbing? see u there.
guide is at most 500/day, suggestion: just contact the DOT for their accredited guides
akyat po kami sa july 22-26, sino po ang pwedeng guide? dalawa lang po kami.. thanks! :)
anyone climbing apo this august? i plan to go there on aug 4-9 and hopefully climb it on aug 4-6. can anyone give me an idea how much it would cost for the climb and how to get there from davao city and how to get a permit. everything po to know so this can happen for me. im a female is it safe to climb it alone with just the guide and the porter?
pls give me updates: light2shyn@yahoo.com
thanks.
Best wishes to everyone.
I climbed Apo last April and would highly recommend my guide Ronel Mamac as guide/porter. He lives in Kapatagan, Digos, Davao. You can contact him at 0919 751 5988. From Archie of Cebu.
Hi archie,
how much does his services cost per day?
thanks.
Anyone climbing Mt. Apo this september? Pa-join naman para medyo makatipid. 0906 - 2496379
Thanks!
will climb mt. apo tomorrow. mejo nagpapa presyo ang guide ko so i'm looking for another one. 500/day lang budget. any recommendations? Thanks!
-karlo
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