Photos of Majestic Mt. Apo

Mount Apo , active volcano, 9,690 ft (2,953 m) high, on S Mindanao island, the Philippines. It is the highest peak of the islands. Mt. Apo has a snowcapped appearance but is actually covered with white sulfur. Mt. Apo National Park (281 sq mi/728 sq km; est. 1936) is there.

Mountaineering, or mountain hiking, is a popular choice for adventure tourism. The challenging climb, the view of trees and wildlife, the fresh mountain air - all of these contribute to the fun and relaxation that mountaineering has to offer. However, the most important part of any mountaineering adventure tourism experience is the experience of seeing the world from the top, a feeling that gives one a pervading sense of success, and some realizations that may not occur anywhere else.

Welcome to Mount Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippine Islands, resting in the middle of the Mindanao, the land of promise. Rising for thousands of feet from sea level, it is widely known as the main natural structure that shields Davao City from otherwise life-threatening typhoons.

Amid a cloud-covered canopy, Apo has the richness of flora and fauna that is unique from all other mountains in the world. It shelters the world-famous Philippine Eagle, formerly known as the Monkey-Eating Eagle, now endangered and has found its fitting sanctuary is one of the most unreachable places in the world.

Unlike other barren, snow-covered mountains which have little else to show, Mount Apo has wonders that make it the perfect getaway not just for seasoned mountaineers but also those who are new to the sport. While on the way up and on the way down, one will also encounter the Malasita Falls and Kisinte Hot Springs, which can relieve any weary adventurer and make him appreciate not just the beauty of nature, but also realize the beauty life itself.

All does not end when one reaches the peak. With a legendary view of the Island of Mindanao, the hiker will see the magnificence in its utmost form. With a little knowledge of local history, seeing that this beautiful place is in the middle of an economically-depressed land, one will realize his blessedness in the grand scheme of things. One will better appreciate what he has in life, after seeing a snapshot of reality, on top of Mount Apo.

Mt Apo

Mount Apo is a large solfataric potentially active stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, at altitude 2,954 metres (9,692 ft). It is the highest mountain in the country and overlooks Davao City-40 km northeast, Digos City-25 km southeast, and Kidapawan City-20 kilometres (12 mi) west. Its name means "grandchild". Apo is flat-topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500-metre-wide (1,600 ft) volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy, but the date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historical times.

Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines, and the summit is easy to reach. The first recorded climb was on October 10, 1880, by a party led by Don Joaquin Rajal.

On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon. The mountain is home to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred which are endemic.

Although a declared National Park, the current climbing trails are littered with rubbish, opening paths for soil erosion across the already denuded mountain sides. Some mountain and social climbing groups conduct climbs after the main Easter climbing season to clean the affected areas.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has submitted Mount Apo for inclusion in the UNESCO world heritage list. Mount Apo is considered, by DENR, as the center of endemism in Mindanao. 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 rainforest, to mid-mountain forests, and finally to high mountain forests.

A portion of the eastern slopes are also within the scope of the UNESCO Hydrology Environment Life and Policy (HELP) Network. The Davao HELP Network is focused on building collaboration among watershed stakeholders.

Arguably the easiest route to Mt. Apo National Park is through Kidapawan City. One can register in the city's Summer Climb or the Annual October Trek / Climb. At the foot of Mt Apo is Lake Agco Resort, where tourists can dip in to the hot and warm pools sourced from the local hot springs. The completion of PNOC Geothermal Plants in Kidapawan City supplies electricity to Kidapawan and its neighboring provinces and also boosts the city's economy.

At 2,954 meters (9,692 ft), Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines. This majestic peak is one of the country's most popular climbing destinations.

Several trails lead to the summit, coming from North Cotabato and Davao provinces. An average hike requires 2–4 days. Various sights include Lake Venado, one of the highest lakes in the Philippines, and the old crater of Mt. Apo near its summit. In the classification system used by local popular mountaineering website PinoyMountaineer.com, the difficulty of the hike is 7 out of 9. The mountain may be climbed year-round.