Travel Guide Mount Apo National Park

Mount Apo is certainly one of the most exciting sights in southern Mindanao. The highest mountain in the Philippines is a volcano rising to an altitude of 2,954 metres. It last erupted in the 17th century. At its base are the provinces of Davao del Sur, Cotabato del Norte, Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the country's most popular spots for hikers and mountaineers. The mountain is at the heart of Mount Apo National Park, one of the country's largest, covering over 72,000 hectares. This enchantingly beautiful national park boasts marvellous flora and fauna, and is punctuated by sulphurous rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Sometimes, from a distance, these sulfurous expanses can be mistaken for snow due to their color (until proven otherwise, there has never been snow in the Philippines, a country with a tropical climate). Due to its elevated location, a wide variety of plants abound, including the pink waling orchid(Vanda sanderiana), famous worldwide for its use in the creation of hybrid orchids for decorative purposes. However, this flower, native to the Philippines, is endangered in its natural state. The park is one of the richest botanical gardens in South Asia. The forest is home to, among other animal species, the emblematic Philippine eagle. Apo means "grandfather of all mountains". Its indigenous inhabitants consider it a sacred mountain. They call it "Sandawa" (sulfur mountain). Some Bagobos still live along its slopes.Climbing Mount Apo requires stamina and endurance. It takes between two and five days. It is only possible from November to May. Preparation is offered by mountain guide associations and tourist departments. Don't forget that, up there, you also have to fight against the cold. So pack sweaters, pants, gloves, rain gear and light hiking boots. Finally, as the Filipinos like to remind us: "Leave nothing but your footprints, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time."