Mt. Apo Via Sta. Cruz Trail: My First Solo Adventure

TikTok made me do it for sure.

It all started with a bunch of hiking videos popping up on my TikTok feed, and before I knew it, Mt. Apo had completely caught my attention. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because I was planning to go back to the Philippines for a month, and I had already started making a list of adventures and experiences I wanted to have during my trip.Without overthinking it or doubting myself, I booked the trip.

It was going to be my first overnight hike, and of course, I wanted my first one to be on the highest mountain in the Philippines.

I tried asking my friends and family to join me, but it turns out I might be the only one fascinated by hiking. So, I ended up doing the hike by myself which also became my first solo trip.

In the Philippines, joining organized group trips (also known as “joiner” trips) is one of the most convenient and budget-friendly ways to travel. After doing my research, I found Lakaw ni Paw, a well-known travel organizer that specializes in Mt. Apo adventures. Choosing them as my organizer was one of the best decisions I made I had no regrets at all.

This trip was a big experiment for me because it was my first solo trip and my first overnight hike. I was coming all the way from Baguio City, which is hours away from Davao City, where Mt. Apo is located. My journey started with a 3+ hour trip from Baguio City to Manila, followed by almost a 2-hour flight from Manila to Davao City.

Of course, the busy airport, long taxi lines, and Davao’s humid heat added another layer to the adventure.

But thankfully, I made it to my hostel without any major problems.

Based on the videos and recommendations I watched, Frances Inn seemed like the most convenient place to stay because it was close to the pick-up point.

And this is where my first mistake happened. I completely overpacked my hiking bag.

I was so worried about forgetting something important that I ended up bringing way more than I actually needed. I used an Arc’teryx Altra 65, and looking back, I realized it was too big for this type of hike and for my needs.

I’ll share more details later about what I packed, what I actually needed, and where to stay before hiking Mt. Apo.

But beyond the logistics, Mt. Apo gave me something I didn’t expect.

It left me speechless.

Standing on that mountain made me realize how big the world is and how small I am compared to everything around me. It reminded me to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and simply be present.

Along the trail, I met so many amazing people. I heard their stories, and they heard mine. We laughed, shared moments, and embraced the experience together before eventually continuing on our own paths.

And that’s the beautiful thing about hiking sometimes you meet people for only a short part of your journey, but the memories stay with you long after you say goodbye.