There’s something about the idea of standing on the highest peak in the country that captures the imagination. For us, it started as just a casual “what if,” and before we knew it, we were deep into planning one of the most unforgettable adventures of our lives — climbing Mount Apo.

Although this is my second time climbing Mount Apo, but still seems it will be my first time as we were planning to take on a different trail. There is always a certain magic doing this type of adventure as something inside of you will shift at the very moment you decide to climb a mountain. Your focus will not just be about reaching the summit but will be more focused on the journey itself and how you’ll get there. It will become the tale of laughter, resilience, expecting the unexpected and communing nature at its rawest form.

If you’ve ever thought about doing this climb, or if you just love stories about people getting soaked, struggling up muddy trails, and still smiling at the end of it all, then stick around. This is Day 1 of our journey going to the summit of the Philippines’ tallest mountain.

Before the Climb: The Planning Madness

Before we even laced up our boots, a lot went into making this trip happen. Climbing Mount Apo isn’t the kind of thing you just wing. There are logistics, permits, gear, physical training, and — honestly — a lot of Googling involved.

We started by doing research: What trails are there? Should we do it DIY or book with an organizer? What’s the weather like? What’s the success rate of reaching the summit? (Yes, we were that group.)

Eventually, we decided to book with Lakaw ni Paw, a local outdoor events organizer with a solid reputation — highly recommended by a friend, which helped ease our nerves. They helped us decide on the Kapatagan Trail Traverse to Sta. Cruz Century Trail, a route known for its beautiful and varied scenery.

We started organizing the group, doing some prep hikes, working on our endurance, and slowly gathering all the gear we’d need. Flights and accommodations were booked. A rough itinerary was made. Excitement started to build. This wasn’t just a hike anymore — it was a full-on adventure in the making.

Like any other events, there will  always be setbacks. Initially we were 13 in the group but in less than 2 weeks before the climb date, 3 invited guests backed out when everyone was busy complying the climb requirements. This somehow impacts the group as everything was planned already and the organizer already prepared everything – permits, food, and allocated 3 guides for us (1 guide / 5 pax). After discussing with the organizer, they agreed to still cater our group. With an extra guide we didn’t really need, rather than cancel on him, we figured we’d give him the chance to work as a porter instead. It worked out for all of us — less weight to carry, and he still got to earn. A win-win. Everything was adjusted and there is no other way but forward. The climb must go on!

Day 1: Sunshine, Rain, and a Whole Lot of Mud

4:00 AM – The Start of Something Big

We arrived at Davao City the day before and booked a budget friendly accommodation for the night for us to have a good night sleep before the big day.

Our call time with Lakaw ni Paw was at 4AM. The assembly place was at Jollibee Ecoland. We arrived there a bit early as we were planning to buy our breakfast and lunch for the day. Everything was ready past 4AM and our heavy trekking bags were loaded into the van that would haul us to the jump off.

We were on the road heading to Kapatagan at around 4:30AM. That early in the morning, it was still dark and quiet — the kind of quiet where you can really feel the excitement buzzing in your chest.

We arrived at Kapatagan around 6:30 AM, some of us grabbed some breakfast, and picked up food and snacks for the trail. You’d be surprised how thrilling it is to shop for anything when you’re about to hike a mountain. Well for me, salted nuts and food bars that has complex carbohydrates and proteins will do. Chocolates as well but should be in moderation to avoid sugar crash.

From there, we made our way to the Mainit Jump-Off Point where our guides gave us a short briefing. We checked our gear, took a few “before the laspag moments” photos, and around 8:30 AM, we officially began the trek.

The start was beautiful. The trail was lined with vegetable farms on both sides — so green and alive, like nature’s own version of a welcome banner. The weather was perfect too — clear skies, cool breeze. We were in high spirits.

Paradise Checkpoint – A Little Twist in the Plan

By 9:30 AM, we reached Paradise Checkpoint, where we took a short break. This is where we unpack some of our things for our porter to carry. We agreed for a 15kg weight to be carried by our personal porter so everyone of us that has a bit of a heavy load removed 1-2 items for our porter to carry.

Then the clouds rolled in.

Here Comes the Rain

Just before 10:00 AM, we resumed our hike — and the weather began to change. Dark clouds started creeping in, and soon enough, a light drizzle turned into steady rain. We pulled on our rain gear, zipped up our packs, and pushed forward.

There’s something strangely magical about trekking through fog and light rain. The forest around us turned into this mystical, almost otherworldly place. The trail got slick and muddy, but spirits were still high. It was quiet, serene, and kind of beautiful in a dramatic, moody way.

But by the time we reached Junction, the drizzle had turned into a full-on downpour. The trail became harder to navigate — muddy, slippery, and unpredictable. A few of us struggled to keep steady, especially those not used to trekking in that kind of weather.

At around 12 noon, we found a small hut and decided to stop for lunch. It wasn’t glamorous — just some packed food we bought earlier under a roof barely holding back the rain — but it felt like the best meal we’d ever had.

The Forest Gets Wilder

After lunch, we continued toward Barroring, a water source along the way. The trail here was a mix of rolling terrain and the occasional steep slope. Under dry weather, it might’ve been a breeze — but with the rain, it was like hiking on soap.

Still, we pressed on. The deeper into the forest we went, the more incredible it got. Tall trees towered above us, vines curled around trunks, and the thick forest felt completely untouched. It was the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.

There was one downhill stretch just before Barroring where we all stopped and just stared. The view opened up into a jaw-dropping landscape — wild and dramatic, like a mist creeping over distant hills. It was that kind of view that makes the effort worth it.

At Barroring, we took a break, filled our bottles, and prepped for the final leg of the day — the push to Gudi-Gudi campsite.

Reaching Camp – Wet, Cold, but Smiling

We arrived at Gudi-Gudi camp at around 4:40 PM — a bit later than planned, but considering the rain, we weren’t too far off schedule.

Just as we started scouting spots to pitch our tents, the rain returned — and this time, it poured. Thankfully, our guide set up a tarp quickly, and we all huddled underneath, laughing, tired, soaked to the bone. Somehow, the worse the weather got, the more we appreciated being there.

When the rain finally let up, we scrambled to pitch our tents before it started again. The ground was wet, and finding a dry, non-flooding spot felt like solving a puzzle in a time crunch. But we managed.

Dinner was served around 7 PM, and honestly, it was amazing. Our guides cooked us a warm, hearty meal, complete with soup — perfect for the freezing night ahead.

By 9 PM, it was lights out. But sleep didn’t come easy. The rain continued, and the cold from the ground crept into our tents. Even with insulation, it was cold. Most of us barely slept. We tossed, turned, checked the time every hour. It was going to be an early start. The plan is to have the call time at 2AM.

Next Stop: The Summit

Despite the challenges, Day 1 was a beautiful mix of chaos and calm — full of firsts, surprises, and those little moments that stay with you long after the mud is washed off your boots.

We were sore, cold, and tired — but more than anything, we were ready.

The summit awaits.

Stay tuned for Day 2, where we chase the sunrise from the top of the Philippines.