Mt Apo Natural Park
Serving as one of the primary gateways to the summit of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, the Municipality of Makilala offers access via the New Israel trail — a breathtaking journey that typically takes three to five days to complete. Along these paths, hikers are immersed in a pristine wilderness, greeted by the cool breezes of a virgin forest and an abundance of unique flora and fauna. The trek also features culturally significant sites, including the serene and misty Holy Makalangit Shrine, a place of annual pilgrimage for the Mongkadista religious group, and the sacred slopes of Mt. Zion, where their rituals are performed at an elevation of over 2,600 meters above sea level. This combination of natural splendor and deep cultural heritage makes Makilala a truly majestic and mesmerizing starting point for any Mount Apo expedition.