Standing at 10,321 feet above sea level, Mt. Apo, known as the King of Philippine Mountains, mirrors itself in the clear water of Lake Venado, located 7,200 feet above sea level. The highest mountain in the Philippines is shared by North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City. Depending on one’s pacing, the mountain peak can be reached from nine to 16 hours from several entry points, including the Madarangan Trail in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.
(CORRECTED): The City Tourism of Office of Kidapawan regulates the mountain climbing and charges PPhP 1,500 as registration fee. A PhP 500 fee is collected by local tour and travel operators who are accredited to provide mountain trekking services. Photos by JULES L. BENITEZ
