Davao del Sur, Philippines — November 22–24 2025 — At 79 years old, Miss Margaret Burger from South Africa has achieved an extraordinary milestone in Philippine mountaineering history. She successfully completed a Mt. Apo trek via the Sta. Cruz to Bansalan trail, becoming the oldest female foreigner to finish the Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse.

Her inspiring journey to the summit of Mount Apo was not just about personal endurance—

it was deeply rooted in family, encouragement, and shared dreams. The expedition was guided by

Engr. Albert Gabriel and his team from Mt. Apo Adventures, ensuring a safe and well-coordinated

climb.

The Real Reason Behind the Climb

 She came to visit her nephew who works in the Philippines. When travelling she likes to include a hike so she encouraged her nephew and his  wife to join her. 

Adding depth and experience to the team was a friend from Germany, a 68-year-old seasoned

hiker and longtime climbing companion of Miss Burger. They had previously trekked in Nepal and South America building years of shared high-altitude experience and trust. Their mountaineering history provided strong physical conditioning and mental resilience, which proved invaluable on Mt. Apo’s diverse and sometimes unpredictable terrain.

His presence not only reinforced safety and pacing but also symbolized the enduring

friendship forged through years of mountaineering adventures.

The Challenge of the Sta. Cruz–Bansalan Traverse

Mount Apo, standing at 2,954 meters above sea level, is renowned for its challenging

landscapes—ranging from mossy forests and sulphur vents to expansive grasslands and rocky

summit zones.

The Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse is considered one of the most scenic yet demanding

routes on the mountain. Unlike backtrail climbs, a traverse requires hikers to ascend from one

municipality and descend through another, covering varied terrain conditions over multiple days.

From November 22 to 24, 2025, Miss Burger and her team successfully ascended via Sta. Cruz and descended through Bansalan, completing the full traverse with discipline, teamwork, and

steady pacing.

A Record-Setting Milestone

By completing this route, Miss Margaret Burger earned the distinction of being the oldest

female foreigner to trek Mt. Apo via the Sta. Cruz traverse to Bansalan trail.

At 79 years old, her achievement challenges conventional perceptions of age and physical

limits. More importantly, it highlights how preparation, support systems, and shared purpose can

transform ambitious goals into reality.

Guided by Local Expertise

The expedition was professionally led by Engr. Albert Gabriel and his team from Mt. Apo

Adventures. The group ensured strict adherence to safety standards, environmental regulations,

and responsible trekking principles such as Leave No Trace.

Their local knowledge of the trail conditions, weather patterns, and logistical coordination was instrumental in the team’s safe and successful summit.

A Story of Generations and Global Friendship

Miss Burger’s Mt. Apo climb is more than a record—it is a powerful story of family,

friendship, and determination. It highlights her nephew with his wife completing their first major

climb in the Philippines, a 79-year-old woman proving that age is no barrier to adventure and the presence of a 68-year-old hiking companion who has shared many mountain climbs with her.

Together, their journey on Mount Apo reflects the mountain’s growing global appeal and shows that adventure transcends age, nationality, and experience level.

Adventure Has No Age Limit

Miss Burger’s successful Sta. Cruz–Bansalan traverse demonstrates that courage and determination are timeless qualities. Her Biokineticist, Lesego Malele from Sports Science Institute in South Africa (SSISA-https://www.ssisa.com), based on her fitness assessment created a program tailored for her to achieve such a feat. Supported by expert Filipino guides, she turned a family visit into a historic milestone.

At 79, she stands not only as a record holder—but as an inspiration.

Mt. Apo has once again proven that the summit belongs to those who dare to pursue it—no matter their age.

The chill of the pre-dawn air bit into our faces as we began the final push. It was the early morning of February 2, 2025, and our group of seasoned mountaineers from Kazakhstan, led by the experts from mtapoadventures.com, was nearing the peak of Mount Apo, the Philippines’ highest mountain. Our headlamps cut cones of light through the mist as we scrambled over the volcanic boulders of the summit trail. It was a stark, almost lunar landscape, a world away from the lush greenery we had navigated the day before, a testament to the diverse environments of this majestic peak.

Our journey began on the morning of February 1st, where we were greeted by the “Welcome to the Sibulan Heritage Trail” sign. Mtapoadventures.com, the renowned outfitter for climbs to Mt. Apo and other Philippine mountains, ensured our preparations were flawless. We started on a clear path, soon transitioning into dense foliage and steep terrain. The initial hours were spent navigating the uphill farm trail and slick, muddy jungle trail , a true test of our sure-footedness. The energy of the group was strong, our excitement palpable as we descended into the heart of the misty jungle.

​As we gained altitude, the trail led us deep into the rain forest . This segment of the climb was an adventure in itself, with massive trees draped in thick layers of moss, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. We took a moment to rest and share a meal under a makeshift canopy, the warmth of the food and the camaraderie cutting through the mountain dampness. Our Kazak team, used to the vast steppes and soaring peaks of our homeland, was captivated by the sheer biodiversity and humidity of the tropical highland forest.

​The second half of our first day saw us reach Tinikaran Camp 1. The air grew colder, and as the day turned into a damp evening, we gathered around a simple camp dinner. The image of our team huddled close, sharing stories and laughter while plates of nourishing Filipino food were passed around, captured the true spirit of mountaineering—a shared challenge bringing people closer, no matter where in the world they come from.

The summit day push was the most arduous, a climb over rugged, rocky terrain. As the sun rose, we found ourselves surrounded by endemic flora, including tiny, colourful shrubs clinging tenaciously to the volcanic earth. Every step was a deliberate effort, rewarding us with a sense of isolation and immense natural power. The higher we climbed, the more the surrounding mountains seemed to shrink, highlighting our position as the conquerors of the “Grandfather of Philippine Mountains.”

Finally, we stood at the summit. The feeling of triumph was immense, a powerful wave of elation shared by the entire team. Despite the thick fog that had rolled in, obscuring the famous “sea of clouds,” we celebrated, hoisting the Kazakhstani flag high above the summit marker. The cold, wet air and limited visibility could not dampen our spirits; we had conquered the 2,954 MASL peak. It was a profound achievement, a success earned through grit and teamwork.

Descending the mountain, we looked back with pride. Our epic two-day journey on February 1-2, 2025, organized with flawless execution by mtapoadventures.com, was a powerful testament to our team’s enduring passion for adventure. From the vibrant farm trail, mossy forests to the barren, rocky peak, Mount Apo delivered an unforgettable experience, cementing a beautiful memory for our seasoned mountaineers from Kazakhstan.

Here is the youtube link on this adventure by one of the trekkers: https://youtu.be/4i9i18sqx1A?si=9jgNUu6CPTo51D2y

On June 12, 2021, a lifelong dream was realized as I stood a top the majestic Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak at 3,144 meters. The experience felt like something out of a fairy tale, with the breathtaking sea of clouds unfurling before my eyes, creating a scene of pure magic. It was a moment of disbelief and awe, as all the struggles, aches, and fears I faced during the climb suddenly felt insignificant. Standing on top of the Philippines highest point, it became clear that every bit of hard work had been worth it, and I was overwhelmed with a profound sense of achievement and fulfillment.

It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Guess what? My awesome work colleagues decided to tackle a bucket list challenge – climbing the majestic Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines! As soon as I heard the news, I knew this was the perfect birthday adventure (June is my birth month, after all!). And with the added bonus of it being near National Independence Day (June 12th), the timing couldn’t have been better.

To get myself ready for this epic trek, I went into full training mode. Daily jogs, conquering smaller mountains, and focusing on cardio exercises became my routine. I wanted to be in tip-top shape to fully enjoy the challenge!

Speaking of challenges, we decided to team up with a reliable guide. Luckily, our awesome work supervisor, Engr. Albert Gabriel from mtapoadventures.com, was up for the task!  Together with my friends, we set off on our adventure, starting at the foot of Mt. Apo via the Sta. Cruz trail.

Starting our journey at 9 PM, we set off for Colan, our base camp for the night. After a quick rest, we were up and ready to conquer Mount Apo at 3 AM!

Our guides were absolutely amazing! They made sure we were safe every step of the way, checking on us constantly to see if we could keep up. Our safety was always their top priority. They even prepared a delicious breakfast for us to fuel our hike!

Beyond their care, our guides were also incredibly fun and entertaining. Their stories helped us forget about the exhaustion and made the trek feel like a breeze. It was an unforgettable experience!

After a challenging climb, we reached a spot, “The Big Rock”. It was time for a well-deserved break! Our guides surprised us with a delicious snack that gave us the energy boost we needed to tackle the next part of our journey: the infamous boulders of Mount Apo.

I must admit, I was pretty nervous about the boulder section. Some of those rocks looked like they could tumble any second! But our amazing guides were always one step ahead, carefully selecting the safest paths for us. Their expertise and encouragement were incredible. They kept reminding us, “You can do this! We’re almost there!” Their positive vibes helped calm my nerves and fueled my determination. 

Reaching the white sand, I thought I’d made it to the top! But Mount Apo had more surprises in store. As a first-timer, every part of this mountain was a new challenge and a breathtaking sight.

Then came the boulders! I had to climb almost straight up, holding onto nothing but a rope and a few blades of grass. It felt like a life-or-death situation! Mount Apo tested my limits.

After what felt like forever, I finally reached the peak! The view was incredible. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, that I almost cried and peed myself (just kidding!). But seriously, conquering the King of the Philippine Mountains was a dream come true!

I survived!

My colleagues and I just had the most incredible adventure climbing Mount Apo with mtapoadventures.com, and let me tell you, it was unforgettable! Our guide, Engr. Albert Gabriel and Kuya Moroy, made the entire experience absolutely fantastic.

These guys weren’t just there to lead us up the mountain; they were a blast to be around! They kept the mood light and fun, sharing stories and jokes that made even the toughest parts of the climb enjoyable. But what really impressed us was their knowledge of the local flora. They pointed out all sorts of interesting plants along the way, explaining what they were and how they were used. It felt like a nature tour on top of a challenging hike – we learned so much!

Honestly, the quality of service we received from mtapoadventures.com goes way beyond what money can buy. Engr. Albert Gabriel and Kuya Moroy are awesome people, passionate about the mountain and dedicated to making sure their guests have the best possible experience. We can’t thank them enough for such a memorable trip!

Article Contributed by :

Ms. LYLLE MICHELLE SIAREZ