Philippines6 days
Philippines Highlands and Islands: Davao, Mount Apo & Samal — 6 Days
Cycling, white-water rafting, and high-altitude trekking across Mindanao's mountain ranges and coastal islands
This six-day itinerary moves through Mindanao's interior highlands and surrounding waters, anchored by Mount Apo and the lowland ecosystems surrounding Davao. The route combines wildlife viewing in the city and its gardens with a two-day climb of Mount Apo, punctuated by cycling through the Eden and Kapatagan trails and a day of white-water rafting on Davao's rivers. Accommodation splits between Davao proper, a night at Eden Park, and two nights at high altitude on the mountain itself. The itinerary assumes a moderate level of fitness and prior experience with both cycling and trekking.
Highlights
- Philippine Eagle Center — viewing one of the world's rarest and most critically endangered raptors in a managed facility
- Cycling the Eden Trail and Kapatagan Trail — hill-country routes through rural farmland and forest canopy surrounding Davao
- Samal Island visit — a short transfer from Davao to visit coastal terrain and bat caves
- Davao River white-water rafting — Class II and III rapids through lowland river gorges
- Mount Apo two-day climb — ascent of the Philippines' highest mountain with camp meals and high-altitude overnight accommodation
- Crocodile Park and Malagos Garden — wildlife reserves within or near the city limits
Day by day
1Arrival in Davao and City Wildlife TourDavao · a local restaurant · Philippine Eagle Center · Crocodile Park · Malagos Garden
Arrival in Davao by air. After clearing the airport, transfers lead to a local restaurant for a meal focused on regional tuna preparations. The remainder of the day consists of visits to the Philippine Eagle Center, the city's Crocodile Park, and Malagos Garden, a private wildlife and botanical reserve in the Davao foothills. Dinner at a local restaurant concludes the day, with overnight accommodation in Davao.
2Cycling the Eden and Kapatagan TrailsKapatagan Trail · Eden Trail · bat cave on or near Samal Island · Eden Park
A cycling day through the hills surrounding Davao, using the Eden Trail and Kapatagan Trail — two established routes through regional farmland and forest. The day includes a visit to a bat cave on or near Samal Island, accessed by short transfer from the mainland. Lunch is provided en route. Overnight accommodation is at Eden Park.
3Crocodile Farm and Davao White-Water Rafting to KidapawanCrocodile Farm · Kidapawan · Davao's white-water rafting put-in point
Visit the Crocodile Farm, then head to Davao's white-water rafting put-in point. After rafting, transfer south to Kidapawan for overnight accommodation.
4Mount Apo Climb BeginsMount Apo
Start the Mount Apo ascent with camp meals and overnight accommodation on the mountain.
5Mount Apo Summit and Second Night at High AltitudeMount Apo
Continuation of the Mount Apo climb toward the summit. Camp meals and overnight accommodation remain on the mountain at a higher altitude camp.
6Mount Apo Descent and Return to DavaoMount Apo · Davao International Airport · Mount Apo to Davao International Airport
Final descent from Mount Apo to the trailhead. Transfer from the mountain to Davao International Airport for onward flight to Manila or other destinations.
Included
- 2 nights Davao
- meals as indicated
- outfitting during activities as indicated with local or technical guide
- transfers
Not included
- Domestic air ticket Manila/Davao/Manila
- A separate multilingual guide from Manila can be provided at extra cost