I love to share the beauty of the mountains. For this I decided to bring some of my friends to challenge ourselves to conquer the highest peak in the Philippines Mt Apo. It requires physical and mental challenge so it took 6 months for us to prepare.
The Summit
Jump Off (Magpet)
- Most of the climbers always use the Sta. Cruz trail. For this I decided to do something with a twist by starting the other way around and use Magpet trail.
- It took us 4-5 hours from Davao International airport.
- The trail is mostly mossy forest and cooling.
- Trail path is easily recognised and less chances of getting lost in the forest.
- After a long 6 hours of hike we manage to get our lunch. From there we also managed to refill our drinking water by the fresh water stream.
- We decided to set up our tent as well to stay for the night in Bob bong camp as most of my friends are tired and exausted. We did not managed to follow the itirinary to set up camp in Lake Venado. This things could not be avoided and you need to prioritise safety of the group.
- The real climb starts as we need to push harder to the next camp site. We started 6:00 AM. As usual we need energy, so breakfast is served with hotdogs and fried rice.
- Reaching Lake Venado is repaying the long hours hike but we are still halfway to the summit. Took lunch and enough rest.
Sunset
- Near yet too far. After enjoying our lunch the journey never stops.
- We enjoyed walking and watching as the sun sets slowly.
- We managed to reach the summit but did not stay long as already pitch black. Proceed to the second camp whitesand to stay for the night
Sunrise
- Nothing can be more beautiful than seeing the best view on top of the highest peak in the Philippines.
- We stayed for about 30 minutes at the summit enjoying the scenery. There are also other climbers we met.
The descend
- What goes up always come down. It is sad to imagine that the journey will be ending soon.
- Along the way we are challenged by the mighty boulder rocks and the sulfuric smell.
- We enjoyed plucking the fresh chilled wild berries to boost up our energy to continue hiking.
The farewell
- It come to an end where we need to say goodbye to Mt Apo. Definitely will be returning if given the chance to climb again. Love the people we meet and the journey experience that have shared.