Kapatagan, Davao del Sur

Kapatagan with the view of Mount Apo

The highland valley of Kapatagan in Davao del Sur has recently become one of the most popular outdoor adventure destinations because of the many unique wonders and delightful sights to see and experience - a truly different kind of adventure anyone can enjoy; a perfect quiet respite from the noise of city life. Blessed with  lush greenery, the entire valley is rich with a variety of flora and fauna, towering forest trees and stately pine trees set in a landscape of wild grass and vegetation. Occasionally, Kapatagan is fully covered with a pleasant mixture of cool mountain mist and hoovering thick fog particularly in the early morning of the day and in the evening. 

Kapatagan is just one of the barangays of Digos City, with an estimated population of at least 8,000 inhabitants whose primary livelihood is vegetable cultivation, Tilapia breeding, coffee farming and recently, tourism. It is home to a number of flora and fauna species endemic to Mindanao and also to the King of the Philippine Skies, the great Philippine Eagle. Its close proximity to Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain peak, makes it one of the major jump of points for mountain climbers preparing to scale the dormant volcano. The breathtaking view of Mount Apo from Kapatagan has been the subject of many photographers and countless articles in newspapers and magazine both locally and internationally.

Mount Apo with Kapatagan in the foreground

Within the wide expanse of Kapatagan is a natural pool of waters called, Lake Rosario. The lake used to be the main water source of Kapatagan, but in view of the ever increasing population, residents have started to breed freshwater fish such as Tilapia.

For those who are adventurous and love the outdoors, there are a number of popular destinations in Kapatagan which in recent years have brought much tourism and economy in Davao del Sur. These are: Mount Apo, Camp Sabros, Mount Apo Highland Resort (now called Camp@tagan Lake Mirror and Hillside), Kublai Art Garden, a Tibolo Village, and the famous Virgin Falls.

Camp Sabros

Camp Sabros is an outdoor adventure camp situated 3,980 feet above sea level on the cool highlands of Sitio Barras in Kapatagan. Opened to the public in December 25, 2007, it boasts of two long 380 and 400 meters zip lines called "Slide for Life" at 180 feet above the ground, roughly the height of a five-story building. The camp is surrounded by lush greenery of tall pine trees all across its landscape, and offers a relaxing view of Mount Apo and the surrounding mountain ranges. Its high elevation makes the weather in Camp Sabros cool all year round.

Mount Apo Highland Resort

Cages where Asian Palm Civets are kept to produce the world's most
expensive coffee, the Civet Coffee.

Mount Apo Highland Resort, now called Camp@Tagan Lake Mirror and Hillside, is situated in the uphill portion of Kapatagan. It is a two-part mountain resort complex: Lake Mirror which is set against a cold spring pool; and  a campsite perched in a hilltop called Hillside, hence where the Resort got its name. Moreover, there are  Asian Palm Civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) bred in captivity that produces for them the world's most expensive coffee, the Civet Coffee.

Agong House at Kublai Art Garden

Kublai Art Garden is definitely a place to visit, a jaw dropping experience guaranteed! Mindanaoan artist, Kublai Millan turned the entire place into one huge canvas filled with his artworks of various sculptures and art pieces perched in a landscape of lush Korean grass with Mount Apo and surrounding mountain range as the backdrop. A must-see in Kapatagan.

A Bagobo plating their famous Nilutlot in a platter of Banana leaves.

Located at the foot of Mount Apo and about five kilometers from Hillside is the Tibolo Village, a truly Mindanaoan tribal village that showcases the Bagobo culture at its best where visitors can spend the day and immerse with the community. Here, visitors will get to meet and interact with the Bagobos and learn their culture, take a peek of their houses, learn their traditional craft, and taste their famous "Nilutlot" cooked in bamboo, and many more.

Virgin Falls

And deeply hidden within the highlands of Kapatagan Valley is another wonder of nature to behold called, the Virgin Falls - a one tiered waterfalls about 20 meters high and some 10 to 15 feet wide of cascading waterfalls bordered between huge rock walls on each side surrounded with lush flora and fauna. Its natural pool of icy cold, crystal clear waters at the basin is too inviting to ignore.

For those who love nature and the outdoors, Kapatagan is the perfect adventure. Mount Apo Highland Resort offers day tours to Kublai Art Garden and the Tibolo Village.

Camp@Tagan Lake Mirror and Hillside

(formerly Mount Apo Highland Resort)

Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur 

8000 Davao City, Philippines 

Phone (082) 300-8636, (082) 286-8883 

Mobile: 0929-8256606, 0922-8569792 

Website psdgroupph.com 

Visit their Facebook page

How to get to Kapatagan 

The easiest way to reach Mount Apo Highland Resort is through private transportation. The site is about two hours drive from downtown Davao City, or an hour away from of Digos City. There are buses at the Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City that ply to Digos City, and public utility vans for hire from Digos Terminal to Kapatagan. 

Map to Kapatagan

Images courtesy of the following:

Mount Apo Highland Resort

skyscrapercity.com

Mr. Art Boncato of the Department of Tourism