I was informed that Mt. Apo can be traverse in one day however my urge to pursue such hike came into reality after a friend saw my comment on Lagataw's article about his experience.
His article became my basis on what to and how to prepare for this dayhike. A week before the climb, we had some fast paced Nasugbu Trilogy and luckily a week prior to that I was in Halcon, it was an additional training climb for me though.
Our lead, Jay arranged everything for us. Our permit was prearranged as well as our hired Habal habal, everything was set when Jay's flight was moved 3 times and delayed what's on the itinerary.
It was late in the evening when we left Davao City via van (PhP 100.00 fare) going to Digos City where our Guide was waiting for us. From Digos, it was about an hour of habal habal ride and upon reaching Kapatagan (I am sure if Kapatagan is a Sitio) the road became a bumpy one. I would say it was a pain-in-the-butt ride.
Kapatagan was our entry point and it was indeed Patag (Visayan word for Flat Terrain). We passed by some village before heading to a forested area. From here, our aim was to reach Baroring River for breakfast. It was a difficult route not because of the terrain but it was muddy, it was gradual to few small assaults under the shade of the trees but mud slowed us down.
I skipped breakfast and snoozed while Jay, Marlon and our Guide ate. It was a good sleep, recharged a bit and was ready for Godi Godi Campsite. Godi Godi Campsite is wide and a very dirty one. Sadly many hikers, the irresponsible ones, left a lot of trash here. How could someone carry a bottle of liquor then too lazy to bring it down, it's an empty bottle for heaven sake! Tamad lang? then you'll call your self a Mountaineer?
As per our Guide, a store can be seen at the campsite and yes their was. A woman is selling soft drinks and liquors, I thought this can only be found in the mountains in Luzon. We had our lunch shivering, the place was so cold.
From this side, we are now ready to traverse the Kidapawan side. Around 02:45pm we started the decent, yes it was a full descent going to Lake Venado. The area was so beautiful as seen from above, it's like stadium. Because we were in a hurry, we run all the way down to cut the hike short. We found 2 stores selling Softdrinks, liquors and few instant noodles. The first store near the Entrance sold 1.5 liters of Coke products for 150.00 while the second one sells it for 200.00 (same price from the store at the summit).
From Lake Venado, another full descent going to Mainit River. It was dark when we were descending this part of Kidapawan Trail. Jay and I agreed that the trail is somewhat similar to the decent/ascent trail of Makiling (UPLB side) or Cristobal, I would include Isarog Trail, from camp 1 to summit.
The slope ended by the time we reached Mainit River. This river is long that it will take 20 river crossings (including the small ones) and it ended by the time you crossed a bamboo bridge, then entered a small village exiting to an area where Sulfur vent is located. Above the vent is the trail going to the highway, the end of the entire Kapatagan - Kidapawan Traverse.
15 minutes from the exit point will lead you to Lake Agco, and a resort for overnight could be an option. They have hot spring to ease the muscle pain after the whole day trek. Yes, a 500 exit fee is mandatory however we were Exit Free that time:).
Just an advice: A dayhike traverse is not good if it is your first time in Apo. The Mountain is too beautiful, a 2 days or 3 days would be the best. Enjoy the vast campsite in Godi godi, Spend more time at the summit or stay for a night at Summit Camp. Lake Venado has this wide mass of land, take time to play around.
3 Comments
Ellie
11/16/2014 07:24:40 pm
Hi,
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6/1/2015 12:49:47 pm
I heard so many great things about mt. apo and i guess its true. Love your blog!
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