Mt. Apo is the tallest mountain in the Philippines, 2,956 MASL. It was a tough journey, but absolutely a life changing experience for us. Despite of its technical factors like the assault and steep trails, extreme coldness, tiring hike and etc. that measured my strength, I was able to conquer my own fears. It's hard to tell and explain, so these photos below will explain more.
Just on the first part, still at the farmlands of the residents, the area is surrounded by luscious and relaxing greens, the plants on the ground and the trees has a magnificent shadows on the background - such a breathtaking beauty.
The trails of Mt. Apo is really long, but the quality is the combination of simple to hard trail type.
This is how we eat our trail foods and lunch on the trail.
Camp 1 - Tinikaran Camp Site
The water source near Tinikaran Camp. Second Day
Trail type on the second day. Appropriate hiking gears are necessary.
Color Combination at the Sulfur Vents. Second day. 11:30 AM
My stolen shot.
Greece inspired walls.
Continued Assault on the boulders. Second Day.
Waterproofing at the White Sand area, before the assault.
Summit Camp. Third Day.
Temperature on the summit camp is outrageous. I know it's hard to compare but it's cooler than Mt. Pulag's. The strong cold wind mixed with rain drops made our night feel like it was longer than the usual. The area has beautiful landscape, rich in bio-diversity of flora and fauna, a proof that Mt. Apo still has a healthy forest areas.
The summit of Mt. Apo has a combination of super steep and slippery trails, covered with grass and shrubs. The limestone and rock formations seems to be artistic from afar and there's a 360 degrees view of the province - well not on this exact time that this photo was captured, the area is covered with thick fog.
The romantic view of Lake Venado. Third Day.
After the three days adventure on the trails of Mt. Apo, our side trip was at one of the gorgeous Samal Islands. Talicud Island is a smaller island situated at the back side of Island Garden of Samal or literally ‘sa likod.’ This is one of the island paradise in Davao del Norte that bears fine beaches with crystal clear water, fine white sand, colorful underwater creatures and hospitality from the locals.