Hiking Talks #15: Majestic Mt. Apo Traverse| Kapatagan- Kidapawan Trail

KAPATAGAN- KIDAPAWAN TRAIL |TRAVERSE

MAJOR CLIMB | Mt. Apo is a large solfataric, potentially active, stratovolcano in Mindanao. It has an altitude of 2,954 metres (9,692 ft)above sea level thus gaining the title as the highest mountain in the Philippines. With coordinates 6°59′15″N 125°16′15 "E, the summit overlooks Davao City (northeast) Digos City (southeast) and Kidapawan City to the west.

The first successful ascent expedition ever recorded was on October 10,1880 by Joaquin Rajal,governor of Davao at that time; Joseph Montano, a French anthropologist; along with a Jesuit missionary, Father Mateo Gisber. Since then, numerous expeditions followed.

On May 9, 1936, Mt. Apo was declared a national park under Proclamation no. 59 by President Manuel L. Quezon. Such was solidified by Proclamation no. 35 of May 8, 1966 then Proclamation no. 882 of September 24, 1996.

Amid being declared a Natural Park, sadly though nowadays, the climbing trails are littered with rubbish by inconsiderate and irresponsible climbers, opening paths for soil erosion across the already denuded mountain sides. Some mountain climbers and social groups conduct climbs after the Holy Week--the peak climbing season, to initiate cleaning of the said areas.

It has one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area. It has three distinct forest formations, from lowland tropical rain forest to mid-mountain forests, and finally to high mountain forests. The mountain is a home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic in the area. It is also home to one of the world's largest eagles, the critically-endangered Philippine Eagle, which is the country’s national bird.

There are several trails coming from North Cotabato and Davao provinces that lead to the summit. Basically, the easiest route to the National Park is through Kidapawan City with an average hike taking 3–4 days covering ascent-descent. Various sights one may behold along the trail include Lake Venado, one of the longest lakes in the Philippines, the solfataras and the old crater/dead lake near its summit. The mountain may be climbed year-round or one can register and join the tourism's Summer Climb or October trek/Semestrial breaks.


HIKING
Public transportation is a good option in going to Kapatagan which is the jump-off point. Habal-habal is the readily available and most reliable means of transportation. In our case, the team negotiated with three habal-habal drivers-- The first two rides are for passengers and the third habal-habal was for our backpacks with the team's goal to lessen the heavy loads.

The travel time will take about an hour from Bgry.Cogon (crossing near highway) to Kapatagan. From Kapatagan, one may stop over some food chains or "Carenderias" and enjoy a full breakfast, since a long hike awaits.

However, after which you will have to transfer to another habal-habal coming from Kapatagan. It will bring you to the Major jump-off point which is the Sitio Paradise.

At Sitio Paradise one may experience a closer glimpse of Mt. Apo before trekking into the forest. From here one may negotiate with a porter, pitch water supplies and buy additional necessities. A mini store is available that however offers limited food items.

The trekking time will be 6- 7 hours up into the first campsite-- the Godi-Godi camp.The first part of it is crossing into the farm fields and then into the tropical rain-forest. The flora and fauna is good and rich in biodiversity.

Arrival to the camp site ends the first part of the trek, for the first day of the climb.Camp Godi-Godi can accommodate a dozen of tents or more. The name of this camp was derived from a local tribe hunter, who was said to have once occupied and built his shelter after a long stay in the forest to hunt wild pigs and etc.
The team settled for the night. We pitched our tents, had our dinner and slept.

The rays of the sun and the blue sky welcomed us on our second day of expedition. Much more thrilling was that we found out we have visitors--a group of monkeys roamed around the camp. We were so happy we had such an opportunity  to see and observe such wonderful creation up close. Having been inspired that more wonders await us, the team packed up, took  light breakfast meal, and left the camp. From camp Godi-Godi, it takes a few minutes(15-20 minute) to exit from the forest area.

Day two of hiking is the most exciting and difficult one. Why so? Trekking into the Boulder section of the mountain is a challenge. Since the boulder trail is not a common trail unlike those in any other mountains in the Philippines. The sharp rocks, and sulfuric foams will definitely awaken your senses.

However, the fauna brings comfort and peace while one enjoys the scenery above the clouds. You will notice some wild berries along the trail. Go ahead and try to pick the dark violet-colored one. It tastes good! You may pick more and place them in your pockets if you wish. It may serve as your trail food.

The excitement and thrill continues as the trail gets closer to the summit. The blue sky and the fog filters the heat of the sun that makes the trek a relaxing one.

Is this trail is the easiest? or most difficult? With the final assault to the summit gaining 90 degrees in angle, no roots nor branch of a tree to grab on, just simply holding onto the rocks, it is indeed a challenge to test your climbing skills and your stamina. The goal of wanting stand and reach the summit will push you forward. Oh, no turning back! No, you dare not turn back!

At the end point of the 90-degree-gain-assault, the crater/dead lake welcomes you. You have the entire privilege to explore the crater, and take pictures before finally heading to the summit-- a 5-minute-assault.

Team: Jed,Tom, Elmer, Steph

At 2,954 meters above sea level, the team successfully reached the summit with joy. Embracing the wonders of His creation. At the summit one may explore the vast area, take pictures and indulge oneself into the clouds. After an hour in the summit, the team descended back to the summit camp site and grabbed a lunch.

At 1430H, we descended to Lake Venado and set a camp for a night to stay. The trekking will take 3-4 hours.The second day of hiking ended in Lake Venado.

The good weather warmly embraced us on the 3rd day of our climb.This is the final morning for a closer glimpse of the summit. Lake Venado is a perfect place to camp with the much needed water source readily available. The mossy forest and the perfect view of the summit is truly breathtaking. The team left lake venado at 0830H, and made a descent via Kidapawan trail.

The trail continues down into the river, with the usual river crossing. And the team ended the trek at Lake Agko, post-climbing and dipped into the hot springs of Agko.

The climb to Mt. Apo is one of my most exciting and rejuvenating hikes.

DETAILS
Davao del Sur and North Cotabato
Entry point | Brgy. Mainit, Sitio Paradise, Digos
Exit point| Brgy. Ilovamis, Kidapawan City
Coordinates 6°59′15″N 125°16′15 "E
2,954MASL (#1)
Days required/ Hour to summit | 3 days/10-12 hours
Specs| Major climb/difficulty 7/9
Features| Mossy forest/Birds/Monkeys/Boulders/ Sulfuric Steam

TRANSPORTATION
From Davao (Eco land Bus terminal) take a bus bound to Digos, or V-hire bound to Kidapawan (traveling time 1.5hour). Stop at Brgy.Cogon crossing, ride a Habal-habal from crossing to Kapatagan. Travel time takes 1 hour (100/fare/pax). Then, from Kapatagan, transfer to another Habal-habal going to Sito Paradise. Traveling time: 30minutes (til major jump off)

From exit point: Take a habal-habal (75/fare/pax) going to Kidapawan City (Bus/Transport terminal), Take a V-hire or bus bound back to Davao City.

ITINERARY
I don’t post any detailed itinerary because I believe such should be experienced by nobody else but you, yourself. General time frame in every stops are shown in the transportation and hiking part of the article.