Mount Apo Natural Park

The highest part of the country is a dormant volcano deemed as the ‘grandfather of all mountain’. The term is translated in the local language as ‘apo’, hence Mount Apo.

Mount Apo is flat-topped mountain. It occupies an extensive area at its base, which became one of the most diverse ecological system in the country. The area boasts of different kinds of forests – from tropical rainforest at the base, to the midmountain forest, to the high mountain forests. Each category boasts of its rich biodiversity.

The park is one of the most popular climbing area of adventurers. Along the trails leading to the summit are waterfalls, streams, springs, and a variety of fauna and flora only found in the area.

What is the Mount Apo Natural Park?

There are basically two reasons why the park is important in the natural scene of the country. First, the highest mountain in the country rises at the middle of the park’s extensive forests, complete with natural springs, falls, streams and rivers. Second, the great concentration of animal and plant life find home in the mountain’s base. The highest peak (there are three peaks) is 2,954 meters above sea leve.

The park is home to the renown Philippine Eagle, the second largest eagle in the world. Along with the eagle are more than a hundred birds found only in the park and nowhere else in the world. The forests are also in the limelight for having wild endemic flowers like ‘waling waling’ (considered Queen of Orchids), and varieties of rafflesia (the largest flower in the world). It is also a home to the king of fruits called ‘durian’.

The area covers about 55,000 hectares. The highest point (the peak) is a part of Davao City.

Where can we find the Mount Apo Natural Park?

The park is between the city of Davao, and the province of Davao del Sur. It is located in Mindanao, south of the archipelago.

How did mother nature mold this wonder?

The forests are formed mainly because of the rich soil which was a result of the ancient eruptions of Mount Apo. The area became forested and various animals found home in them. Species of plants were able to adapt in the area though the years.

Mount Apo’s formation is due to its volcanic activity and due to the presence of various faults in the country.