National park · Philippines
Mount ApoBundok Apo
Visit Mount Apo: buy a PHP 150 entry ticket (check), take the Kidapawan‑Magpet trail (≈7 h, check) in the dry season Dec–May (check), and stay in Davao City nearby.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
1936
Best months
Apr–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
At a glance
- Country
- Philippines
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- check
- Established
- 1936
- Best months
- Apr–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Davao City
Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak, offers a range of forest zones, hot springs and summit views. The most travelled Kidapawan‑Magpet trail takes about 7 hours, while the easier Magpet route from the south suits first‑timers. Entry requires a PHP 150 permit, and the dry months December to May give the best conditions.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1936.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 1936
check
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Davao City.
Why go
- Climb the Philippines' highest peak for diverse forest zones and panoramic views.
- Spot endemic wildlife such as the Philippine eagle and rich butterfly species.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- Jandry, cool mornings (check)
- Febdry, good trail conditions (check)
- Mardry, warm (check)
- Aprdry, clear skies (check)
- Mayend of dry season, pleasant (check)
- Junstart of rains (check)
- Julrainy, possible landslides (check)
- Augrainy, trail mud (check)
- Seprainy, flash floods (check)
- Octdry early, cooler (check)
- Novdry, comfortable (check)
- Decdry, cool (check)
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine eagleAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Butterflies (118 species)Mar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Endemic amphibians and reptilesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Davao City
Bus or van to the park gate (≈2 h drive, check), then walk to trailhead (check).
2–3 h (check)
Open the page →
From Kidapawan
Public transport to the Kidapawan‑Magpet trailhead (check), then start hike (check).
≈3 h (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kidapawan‑Magpet trailhead | Main access point, parking, information desk. | Open with permit. |
| Mainit Hot Springs campsite | First campsite with hot spring pool. | Open to hikers. |
| Lake Venado campsite | Second campsite, cold, forested. | Open to hikers. |
Sketch map
- 1Mount Apo summit · Summit≈6.987, 125.271approximateMap ↗
- 2Kidapawan‑Magpet trailhead · Gate≈7.030, 125.150approximateMap ↗
- 3Davao City · Town≈7.190, 125.455Nearest city with accommodation, approx. 40 km (25 mi) from the park gate (check).Nearest city with accommodation, approx. 25 mi (40 km) from the park gate (check).Map ↗
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on central summit location.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | PHP 150 (≈ US$3) | person | check |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Mount Apo entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Permits
- All hikers must have a valid entry permit.check
- Fires
- Open fires are prohibited; use designated cooking stoves.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; no dumping in campsites.
Where to stay
Near the park
Davao City
Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses 40 km (25 mi) from the park gate.Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses 25 mi (40 km) from the park gate.
Safety
Sudden rain and flash floods high
Heat and altitude medium
Trail erosion medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main trailheads reachable by vehicle; some sections steep and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Use refillable water bottles; support local guides and community‑run services.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Apo?
A PHP 150 entry permit per person is required; purchase at the park gate or via a local provider.
What are the best hikes in Mount Apo?
The Kidapawan‑Magpet trail (≈7 h, moderate) and the Magpet trail from the south (≈5 h, easy) are the most popular routes.
When is the best time to visit Mount Apo?
The dry season from December to May offers the most reliable trail conditions and clear views.
Do I need a guide?
A permit is mandatory; hiring a guide is recommended for safety, especially on the Kidapawan‑Magpet route.
Are there accommodations on the mountain?
No permanent lodging; hikers camp at designated sites such as Mainit Hot Springs and Lake Venado.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Mount Apo
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