Sibulan Old Crater

Sibulan Old Crater is an inactive volcanic edifice located in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, and is considered part of the broader Apo Volcanic Complex. Its heavily eroded and densely forested slopes are evidence of its ancient origins, representing a bygone era of volcanic activity long before Mount Apo’s more recent eruptions. Over thousands of years, weathering and ecological succession have transformed the crater into a lush, mossy forest that now plays a vital role in the region’s natural systems.

Ecologically, Sibulan Old Crater is a critical watershed, feeding major river systems such as the Sibulan River and the Langan River. These waterways provide essential resources for surrounding communities and ecosystems, underscoring the crater’s importance beyond its geological history. Today, it stands not only as a relic of ancient volcanism but also as a living reservoir of biodiversity and water, sustaining both human populations and the rich natural environment of southern Mindanao.