At 2,954 metres, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines and the centrepiece of a national park that spans parts of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. The summit sits about 40 km west of Davao city and on clear days the views stretch to the Celebes Sea. The mountain is a dormant stratovolcano surrounded by geothermal fields, cloud forest, sulphurous lakes, and hot springs — it is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country and home to the Philippine Eagle.
Most climbers tackle the mountain via the Kidapawan trail (North Cotabato) or the Magpet route, both requiring two to three days. A permit is required, and you must hire a registered local guide. The ascent involves river crossings, steep ridges through mossy forest, and a final push across a boulder field to the summit. The climb is challenging but does not require technical gear — fitness and proper preparation matter more. March to May is the driest and most popular season.
Lake Venado, a small lake at about 2,600 metres, is a popular overnight campsite on the way to the summit. Several waterfalls and hot springs in the lower slopes can be visited as day trips from Davao without undertaking the full climb.