Mt. Apo (Sibulan Traverse)

The highest mountain in the Philippines archipelago which is located between the provinces of Davao del Sur, Cotabato and the city of Davao, Mt. Apo stands at an altitude of 10,311 ft above sea level and is also known as the "Grandfather of Philippine mountains". There are three known trails that leads to the summit of Mt. Apo which includes: Kidapawan-Magpet Trail, Kapatagan-Kidapawan Trail and the Sibulan-Kapatagan Traverse which is the most challenging among the three.

My friend and fellow mountaineer John Sarco who had a day-hike traverse via the Sibulan trail shared his experience with regards to the strenuous but challenging route that is truly an experience of a lifetime. Thus, it was based on his pictures and narration that this write-up was made.

The Sibulan trail which is also known as the "Boulder Face" is literally composed of huge boulders, where one has to maneuver through a huge chunks of hot rocks while a cool gushed of wind in the trail makes it totally one of a kind, which makes it definitely not advisable for beginners. The trail also features a wide array of landscapes, virgin forests, crags, rivers, lakes, mossy swamps, volcanic structures, and crater of sulfuric deposits which has a putrid smell of sulfuric gases that is similar to rotten eggs.

Upon reaching the summit, one will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding provinces of Davao del Sur and Cotabato. Lake Venado which is the highest lake in the country can also be seen from the summit that is actually a crater.

According to his guide Kuya Ronnie Torlao who holds distinct awards such as "2017 Mount Haguimtan Mountain Trail King" and "2017 Boulder Face Team Relay Champion" says that the whole trail is approximately more than 40 km. stretch. They were able to finished the whole traverse in almost 14 hours.

***John Sarco shares his pictures and experience with regards to his Mt. Apo day hike traverse via Sibulan Trail. Thus, it was based on his pictures that this write-up was made.