Southern Mindanao

Mt. Apo/Traverse from Mt. Talomo: Davao + Davao Del Sur (#1/#14)
Mt. Bongao: Tawi-Tawi / 314m
Mt. Candalaga: Compostela Valley / 2402m (#29)
Mt. Hamiguitan: Davao Oriental / 1620m
Mt. Matutum: South Cotabato / 2293m
Mt. Parker (Lake Holon): South Cotabato / 1400m
Mt. Piapayungan: Lanao del Sur / 2817m (#7)
Mt. Puting Bato: Samal Island / 410m
Mt. Talomo: Davao City / 2674m (#14)
Mt. Tampurong: Davao del Sur /1682m
Mt. Tumantangis / Bud Tumantangis: Sulu / 811m
White Peak (Mt. Pandadagsaan): Compostela Valley / 2670m (#13)

BACKGROUND
Southern Mindanao possesses the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Apo – which covers North Cotabato and the Davao provinces. This towering presence is a natural sanctuary that is home to the Phiippine Eagle. The major centers are Davao City and General Santos City. Aside from Mt. Apo, another famous destination is Lake Holon – said to the ‘cleanest water in the country’ in South Cotabato’s Mt. Parker. A trip to this mountain would also take you to the scenic town of Lake Sebu, the “summer capital” of the region. Numerous sidetrip possibilities include Samal Island, the beaches in Sarangani province, and countless waterfalls and caves. Mt. Matutum – set in the pineapple plantations of Tupi, South Cotabato – is also a favorite climb.

COVERAGE UPDATES
The several other trails of Mt. Apo are a priority to be covered; Mt. Candalaga’s reputed beauty is something that we wish to share also, as soon as we have information. Mt. Piapayungan, the highest ‘unclimbable’ mountain in the Philippines, is listed under the ‘Closed mountains status bulletin’ of PinoyMountaineer. Hopefully, as correspondence with mountaineering groups in Southern Mindanao increases and as the situation in some parts improve, we will have more mountain destinations here.

MOUNTAINEERING CLUBS IN SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Ateneo de Davao Mountaineering Club (AMC)
Digos Outdoors
Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao
Sandawa-Apo Mountaineering and Ecology Club
Tacurong Mountaineers and Adventure Club (TAMAC)