As temperatures in the Davao city center reach sizzling levels this April, the call of the country’s highest peak has become irresistible for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the local government and private stakeholders launched the "April in the Highlands" campaign, centered around the majestic silhouette of Mount Apo. This initiative marks a historic effort to promote adventure tourism while balancing the "sacred respect" that indigenous communities have for the mountain. From high-stakes multi-sport races to serene garden escapes, Mount Apo is currently the epicenter of Mindanao’s 2026 summer tourism surge.
The Return of the Boulder Face Challenge
The most grueling 24-hour multi-sport race in Asia is officially making its comeback this week as final preparations for the Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge conclude. Tourism officials in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, confirmed on April 19 that participants are arriving from across the globe to navigate 118 kilometers of mountain biking, trekking, and water tubing. The race culminates in a perilous ascent across the mountain’s boulder face, testing the grit of athletes against a backdrop of sulfuric vents and ancient limestone formations. This event is a critical driver for the local service economy, which is recovering from a long hiatus and expects to generate millions in tourism receipts this month.
Highland Sanctuaries Above the City Heat
For those seeking a less intense connection with the mountain, the new "April in the Highlands" campaign at nearby resorts is providing a refreshing respite with temperatures as low as 19°C. On April 18, Montefrio Garden Resort unveiled a unique cable car attraction that offers panoramic views of Mount Apo’s green ridges and the surrounding forests. This development caters to the "experience economy," where visitors can enjoy high-altitude ATV rides and luxury garden dining without the physical demand of a full summit trek. By diversifying the ways tourists can interact with the mountain, Davao is successfully lengthening visitor stays and broadening its appeal to families and "workcation" professionals.
Preserving the Sacred and the Green
Despite the influx of visitors, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) maintains a strict "Leave No Trace" policy to protect the delicate biodiversity of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Authorities are currently conducting rigorous monitoring of all trails to ensure that the mountain’s "grandfather" spirit is respected by climbers and resort operators alike. This oversight includes a review of all structures within the protected natural park to prevent the destruction of the relict forest zones that house the Philippine Eagle. This commitment to sustainable adventure ensures that Mount Apo remains a resilient and values-driven destination for generations of explorers to come.
