Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan my June adventure!
It’s been awhile since I went on a short vacation. I’ve been swamped with work and a project I’ve been working on (soon I’d be happy to share it on the blog).
Because of my busy schedule, I know I needed a break. Be away from the city…just chilling and doing nothing. 🙂
So how did I found out about the resort?
As I was searching for resorts in Samal island for a cool place to stay, I came across this resort in Kaputian that I never heard before. I’ve been wanting to visit Kaputian as people are saying there are awesome resorts there. But what really captured my attention is that they have a tree house. And then, I’m sold.
About the Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan:
Another hidden resort in the beautiful Samal Island of Kaputian District is around 24 kilometers from Sasa Wharf and lies just next to San Remegio is the Island garden Resort in Pangubatan. It had been open since 2013 but just heard about it through Agoda. 🙂
Name: The Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan
Location: Purok 4, Brgy Pangubatan, Kaputian District
Contact #: (082) 284 0168 / 0906-814-5658
Email: igrpangubatan@gmail.com
Office hours: 8am – 5pm
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/islandgardenresortinpangubatan
How to get there:
There are three ways on how you can get to there from Davao City:
1) Sasa Wharf
The travel time from Sasa Wharf to Kaputian Proper may take around one hour or more. Then from Kaputian proper, you will have to traverse around 12 kilometers of a bumpy road going to the resort. You will pass barangay San Isidro and Barangay Libertad from Caliclic.
2) Sta. Ana Wharf
Fastest route would be from Sta Ana. You would have to ride a boat to Kaputian Port. Then, from Kaputian it’s around 30 mins habal2 ride to the resort. The boats to Kaputian usually leaves at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. However, they leave upon reaching full capacity regardless of the time.
3) Resort’s Van
If you would want to avoid the hassle you can definitely be picked up by the resort’s van, here are the rates:
(Transportation Rate: One Way: Max of 8 pax)
Davao City – Resort: 2000
Airport – Resort: 1800
Babak – Resort: 1000
Peñaplata – Resort: 1000
Kaputian – Resort: 500
Things you can do:
The resort is definitely perfect for those adventurous souls looking for a peaceful getaway.
- swimming
- snorkeling
- relaxing by the beach
- stay in a tree house
- walk on the hanging bridges
- get a massage
- play some games
- unwind on the hammock
Aside from the basic amenities, the resort also offers massage services, inland and island hopping tours and some water sports. It also has a chapel for prayer and meditation, a wifi in the Gazebo, and a resort and bar to dine and chill.
How much will it cost:
Boat from Sta Ana Whar to Kaputian Port: Php 80.00
Motorcycle (habal-habal) from Kaputian to the Resort: Php 200.00 ( or two people) but if you travel solo you will still have to pay for two people.
Motorcycle from Babak to the Resort: Php 400.00 ( or two people) but if you travel solo you will still have to pay for two people.
Pick up by the Resort’s Van Transportation Rate: (One way good for a maximum of 8 pax.)
Davao City – Resort: Php 2,000 | Airport – Resort: Php 1,800 | Babak – Resort: Php 1,000 | Peñaplata – Resort: Php 1,000 | Kaputian – Resort: Php 500
ROOM RATES FOR OVERNIGHT STAY:
Family Room
- good for 2 – Php 2,000/night ( with AC and ensuite Bathroom)
- good for 3 – Php 2,000/night ( with AC and ensuite Bathroom)
- good for 4 – Php 2,000/night ( with AC and ensuite Bathroom)
Cottages ( Non-AC) – Php 1,300/night
Gazebo with Room – Php 2,100/night
Gazebo only – Php 1,700
Tree House (Non-AC) – Php 1,200/night
Dormitory good for 4 (with AC) – Php 350/bed
Dormitory good for 10 (with AC) – Php 350/bed
DAY TOUR: (7am-5pm only)
My Experience:
So I decided to book an overnight stay and went on a vacation on a Monday. While everyone is busy hustling, I went out and give myself a much-needed break. This resort has actually been in operation for years yet I haven’t heard and seen much about it until recently.
Arrived about 12nn in the Sta Ana Wharf and we jumped right on the boat and waited for 30mins. Luckily they left the port at exactly 12:30 pm (as scheduled). It took us an hour to reach the Kaputian port. Some friendly locals asking me about my destination assisted to find me a motorcycle ride that would bring me to the resort. The way to the resort is a butt-numbing adventure. Traversing the hilly rough road made me utter a number of heartfelt prayers but at the same time, it was so surreal whenever I shift my perspective on the amazing scenic view.
Once I arrived at the Island Garden Resort, I was starving! Unfortunately, (to my surprise) they don’t serve food at that time because their cook was not available. We have to wait for dinner and they only serve at 5pm – 7pm. So, they suggested buying food at a nearby store.
Stayed in their tree house (my first time) and it was very relaxing. I can hear the waves, smell the fresh air, and a quiet place to enjoy my much needed ”ME time”. (see picture above) The hammock below the tree house was a brilliant idea.
But…
The only thing that I think the resort needs to enhance is there Comfort/shower room. Since staying in a tree house means I don’t have my own bathroom so I need to use the common one. It’s not well-maintained and it’s inconvenient for me to take a shower since they don’t have doors but just a shower curtain.
The food is good and not too expensive. 🙂 The beach is fine. I recommend you wear water shoes when going to their beach as it’s a bit rocky. And also, bring your snorkeling gears, I did enjoy the fishes there. In my opinion, the Island Garden Resort beach is more ideal for snorkeling than swimming. 🙂
Another thing that’s a bit disappointing is I have to leave early the next day because the Kaputian to Davao boat leaves at 7 am and 8 am. Their breakfast starts at 7 am because that’s when their cook is available so we end up going without having breakfast. We planned to catch the 8 am boat. Good thing that it’s not really that hard to get a motorcycle from the resort to the port.
Overall:
We’ve been there 2 days ago. We love the place, the customer service, the staff, the food, the beach, the corals and the rooms. The only problem is the rough road going to the resort but you’ll forget about it when you reach the place.
It’s a small resort but it’s not crowded. It’s a peaceful place which is perfect for people who wants to relax and be close to nature. Ans yes, you can sleep in a treehouse!
