Mount Apo
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This is the highest mountain in the Philippines.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
20
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Tristan D
Poysdorf, Austria24 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Awesome hiking experience in the Philippines! My second best hiking experience after EBC (Everest Base Camp ca. 5400m)!
Written February 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham S
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
We planned this trip as a 3 day, 2 night trip with Mt. Apo Adventures, but we ended up able to complete the hike in two days! Albert was very experienced in helping us prepare, and met us the night before and the morning of to ensure a safe journey. Views on the Santa Cruz Trail were incredible, we especially liked the farm section in the beginning. The campsite was busy with other groups, there is clean drinking water at the camp, one working toilet, and the food was amazing. Special thanks to Rey, our main guide, who cooked and guided us to the top. My partner has never climbed a mountain before, and even though this is a physically challenging hike, we are in average shape and were able to complete the hike early (the second day was quite long). Overall, both of us would 100 percent recommend Mt. Apo Adventures to organize their trek, and definitely try climbing this mountain!
Written January 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inaderechogiangan
Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I’m so happy to conquer the highest mountain in the Philippines. If you are looking for a long trip adventure you must try Mt. Apo. You can discover a lot and experience new but great things. I rate this as 100/10 HAHAHAH
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jovitong.gala
Mactan Island, Philippines232 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Went back to hiking after a long hiatus and decided to cahllenge myself and climb the country's higest peak, although the rains prevented us going to Venado Lake, just the Boulder face and Peak was enough to make this trek worth the time.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy C
1 contribution
Dec 2022
I had been planning a 2-week trip to the Philippines and decided to visit Davao based on my research. A big part of my decision was to spend 3 days of my trip to climb Mt Apo. I was fortunate to read about the experiences that others had with Albert and contacted him via email. I knew I was dealing with someone very experienced when he sent me the equipment list and what I should do to be prepared. My experience climbing the mountain was incredible and although we had cold and windy conditions, it was one of the best hikes I've had in many years (Appalachians, Pikes, Longs, Kokoda etc). When the weather held off for the early morning views of the sunrise from the bolder field, it was a slice of heaven!
Not only is Albert an incredible guide, he also has a wonderful team of support staff from Ray, Roy, the cooks, the equipment and camp team - they were all professional and extremely friendly and welcoming. They made me feel more like family than a "customer".
I would strongly recommend Albert and his team to anyone who would like to include the wonderful mini-adventure of bagging Mt Apo to your bucket list. I flew solo from the USA for this experience - my first trip since 2018 - and I am so happy that I chose Davao, and the best guide on Mt Apo!!
Thank you
Roy Charette
Massachusetts/Florida
Not only is Albert an incredible guide, he also has a wonderful team of support staff from Ray, Roy, the cooks, the equipment and camp team - they were all professional and extremely friendly and welcoming. They made me feel more like family than a "customer".
I would strongly recommend Albert and his team to anyone who would like to include the wonderful mini-adventure of bagging Mt Apo to your bucket list. I flew solo from the USA for this experience - my first trip since 2018 - and I am so happy that I chose Davao, and the best guide on Mt Apo!!
Thank you
Roy Charette
Massachusetts/Florida
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mjoyfuljoy
Lexington, KY72 contributions
Sep 2022
We took the Sta. Cruz Circuit trail.
It was a rainy and muddy Day 1. After a 5-hour hike, we reached Camp 1, drenched, hungry and über cold.
We conquered the infamous boulders on Day 2. We started our ascent at 4:00AM, arrived at jump off point 3 hours after, climbed through the boulders, literally on our hands and knees with the smell of sulfur from the vents for an additional 3 hours (I felt like I was Frodo on his way to Mt. Doom whilst at it), stopped by Mt. Apo crater 2 hours after, then summited at guess where??? At the Kidapawan Peak!!! We camped for the night at the majestic and my ever favourite Lake Venado in the moonlight.
Day 3 was a total of 10++ hours trek via the Century Tree. I can’t remember much except it felt like I was in Fangorn forest with young and old trees (some with orchids) AND it that was mostly descent (and sliding for me) through fallen trees, mud, creeks, rocks, mud and more mud.
Exhausted, caked with mud and dirt (obviously), with some minor cuts and bruises, but it was all WORTH it. Shout out to our guides for the great organisation and the yummy and healthy meals 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, Apo Sandawa!
It was a rainy and muddy Day 1. After a 5-hour hike, we reached Camp 1, drenched, hungry and über cold.
We conquered the infamous boulders on Day 2. We started our ascent at 4:00AM, arrived at jump off point 3 hours after, climbed through the boulders, literally on our hands and knees with the smell of sulfur from the vents for an additional 3 hours (I felt like I was Frodo on his way to Mt. Doom whilst at it), stopped by Mt. Apo crater 2 hours after, then summited at guess where??? At the Kidapawan Peak!!! We camped for the night at the majestic and my ever favourite Lake Venado in the moonlight.
Day 3 was a total of 10++ hours trek via the Century Tree. I can’t remember much except it felt like I was in Fangorn forest with young and old trees (some with orchids) AND it that was mostly descent (and sliding for me) through fallen trees, mud, creeks, rocks, mud and more mud.
Exhausted, caked with mud and dirt (obviously), with some minor cuts and bruises, but it was all WORTH it. Shout out to our guides for the great organisation and the yummy and healthy meals 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, Apo Sandawa!
Written December 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
I booked our 3 day, 2 night hike up the mountain through Mt Apo Adventures. Everything was wonderfully organised through Alfred. Our local guide, porter and drivers were excellent. The porter even walked all the way to the summit to cook us breakfast. The weather was not the best for our first evening camp. In fact, the torrential rain and storms made us fear we would not reach the summit. But the rain cleared and we got a beautiful day. The guide knew exactly when to leave.
I would say that both myself and my partner are experienced hikers and we still found this challenging. It’s not a commercial hike in any way. This is a local trail which needs an experienced guide through the rainforest and the boulders. The weather can also be challenging. Don’t expect this to be an easy path - go prepared. But I would also say this was an incredible experience that has been a real highlight of my time in the Philippines.
I would say that both myself and my partner are experienced hikers and we still found this challenging. It’s not a commercial hike in any way. This is a local trail which needs an experienced guide through the rainforest and the boulders. The weather can also be challenging. Don’t expect this to be an easy path - go prepared. But I would also say this was an incredible experience that has been a real highlight of my time in the Philippines.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattias G
1 contribution
May 2022 • Solo
Great trek up Mt Apo guided by Albert from Mt Apo Adventures in May 2022. Albert is very experienced and easy to deal with. Great customer service and knows the ins and outs of the mountain. Would highly recommend him.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Bright
75 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Magic Mount APO is the highest peak overlooking the Southern ocean route to Australia. On a clear day you can see Indonesia. The best thing is you can climb directly from the Makar Wharf 2GO passenger shipping port with just a rucksack. Local people are friendly and helpful and will feed you on the way. It's easy to find a nice spot for camping and the locals will watch over you and keep you safe. A mosquito proof tent is a good idea. Everyone loves explorers in Mindanao and if you're lucky they will call you Sir Francis Drake. Life is Good and you will be so happy to reach the very top of The Philippines!
Written February 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lena S
St. Petersburg, Russia21 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
While visiting Philippines I and my husband decided to climb Mount Apo. We did not plan that in advance, so it was quite difficult to find a guide: sent requests to 4 or 5 travel companies that organize Mt.Apo climb, but all of them refused to provide that kind of service without preliminary (3-4 weeks before) booking except for one company. Mr. Albert from Mt. Apo Adventures company contacted us and organized our trip in just a few hours: we filled in and sent him mount permit forms via email and the next day took a flight to Davao City.
Our guide met us at Davao airport and we started our way to the mount. Our small group of me and my husband was accompanied by 1 guide and 1 porter - both very nice guys. Everything was provided: tents, sleeping bags, hot drinks and hot meals all the way almost to the top! We started around midday, arrived to the mount and settled in a village. We had our dinner there and slept a little until start early morning 3 am the next day. The climb was not very difficult, but quite steep sometimes. The view from the top is amazing! We returned back to the village and our tents around 1 pm and went back ro Davao city. We could finish our climb in just one day because we had an experienced guide and because it was a weekday, and we were the only tourists on the trek. Our company also provided a hotel on the last day of the tour, which is very convenient because you can leave your excess stuff there before you start your trek and have a hot shower after comeback. We really enjoyed our climb and the service provided by Mt Apo Adventures.
Our guide met us at Davao airport and we started our way to the mount. Our small group of me and my husband was accompanied by 1 guide and 1 porter - both very nice guys. Everything was provided: tents, sleeping bags, hot drinks and hot meals all the way almost to the top! We started around midday, arrived to the mount and settled in a village. We had our dinner there and slept a little until start early morning 3 am the next day. The climb was not very difficult, but quite steep sometimes. The view from the top is amazing! We returned back to the village and our tents around 1 pm and went back ro Davao city. We could finish our climb in just one day because we had an experienced guide and because it was a weekday, and we were the only tourists on the trek. Our company also provided a hotel on the last day of the tour, which is very convenient because you can leave your excess stuff there before you start your trek and have a hot shower after comeback. We really enjoyed our climb and the service provided by Mt Apo Adventures.
Written December 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam H
Arlington, VA
Does anyone have any recommendations for guide companies within the first two weeks of February 2020?
how do you guys take a bath or poop while hiking the summit?
Lena S
St. Petersburg, Russia21 contributions
Our camp was in the field at the end of the last village on the way to the summit, so I asked our guide to arrange toilet. He has friends in that village, so we could use their toilet. There was no shower there. Our trek was short - only 2 days, so we had to wait taking shower till check-in in Davao hotel.
Ahm. Hello po! Gusto ko po sanang mag hike sa mt. Apo this march pero solo lng po ako e. Pano po kyang magandang advice ? Willing nmn po akong sumama aibang hikers if ever
George C
5 contributions
Hello. I hope to do this trek in February 2018. I'm pretty overweight and 58 years old. Some of the uphill inclines look daunting from the YouTube videos I've seen. With 6 weeks training is it achievable? Is there an easy route even if it takes longer? Also is it better to go in a group or would a slow trekker not be welcome in a young group? I did Everest Base Camp trek in April 2017 but only just made it and was taking 10 hours when the fit ones were taking 7-8hrs per day. I really struggle on inclines so an idea of trekking versus climbing times and intensity would be useful. Thanks to anyone who replies.
Nancy A
Davao City, Philippines19 contributions
Hello Mr George.....i was at my 30's when i climbed Mt Apo...the experience was worth it....may i suggest that you better go with a group and hire a porter as your guide....if you are physically fit...go for it....know your limits....do not worry because climbers are encourage to climb at their own comfortable pace......
rej26qmd
Cainta, Philippines64 contributions
Hello! We will be travelling to davao on march. Planning to go to mt apo but i am with two senior citizens. Is there a tourist area where SC can enjoy the view? And also how to to get there. Thanks.
Hello po. Mt. Apo is temporarily closed due to forest fire during last year's summer. It is closed for 5 years for restoration purposes.
Nadzilla
Birmingham, UK2 contributions
I am going to be in the Philippines for a while so thought this might be an interesting experience however I have never climbed a mountain before and I am not really a healthy/outdoorsy kind of person (I have never been camping). Will this will be too challenging? Going at end of July. Please advise on whether conditions if know. Thanks all!
Cheers
Nadira
Jason C
Taguig City, Philippines1,366 contributions
Hi Nadira. For a newbie, I highly recommend skipping Mt. Apo first. It is one of the more challenging trails in the Philippines, and the mountain is currently closed for healing - it suffered a wildfire not too long ago.
For a beginner, I would recommend checking out the trails near Manila. I would be more than happy to connect you with trustworthy hiking teams, and if schedule permits, show you around myself!
TinkerBelly16
Texas11 contributions
How far is it from the city? Do you know any tour guides or agencies who will help going to that mud pool at the foot of Mt. Apo? Sounds really exciting to experience a mud pool.
delight_2016
Davao City, Philippines35 contributions
The best time in climbing Mt. Apo is during the Holy Week. Many would like to climb the said mountains on that week. It would be more fun. Natives will welcome ro you , to assist and would carry your baggage to the top in P300.00 -500.00 cost RT.. They started to climb on the back side that is Kidapawan, where the geothermal plant is located . Be sure to bring extra drinking H20 and share to your baggage career on the top. They can lighten your load ans served as a guide.
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Claim your listingMOUNT APO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Apo
- Mount Apo is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Attractions near Mount Apo:
- (15.13 km) Eden Nature Park
- (13.00 km) Batasan Falls
- (1.57 km) Lake Venado