Among their basic offerings include archery packages, range rentals, equipment selling, equipment repairs and servicing. Soon there will be archery lessons and trainings, outdoor archery range setup and facilitation. 

First-timers need not to be hesitant in experiencing this sport as trained coaches will guide you on the basics. All you have to do is to listen to the coaches. It was also my first time to experience the bow and arrow and although it was awkward on the first few attempts, you'll feel the thrill later once you get the hang of it. 

Located in the southeast end of Brgy. Pangubatan, Samal, this resort has actually been in operation for years yet I haven't heard and seen much about it except through a friend's blog and another friend's recent escapade. Guess the odds were in my favor this time as I managed to reach the resort's management with the big help of Gem, a blogger from SOX, who also happened to be in the resort as I was scouting for a conducive venue for my personal year-end retreat. Though a retreat at the beach was far from being the first choice, my impulsive need for a quiet respite plus my love for the beach surfaced above anything else and having this place as the last remaining option, I have no other choice but to go.

I'm thankful that the sun decided to show up after a whole day of rain prior to my scheduled day of prayer, or else, the difficulty going to the resort could have been doubled. I was willing to risk my stakes to get on a spontaneous adventure just to have the peace and quiet I had long desire. In fact, even while I was on my way to Sta. Ana Wharf, I was still weighing down options whether to take the bus to Peñaplata or hop on a boat that will directly take me to Kaputian. Since there was no bus upon my arrival at the wharf entrance at around 9 am, I decided to push my luck and boarded the first boat trip to Kaputian, which was scheduled to depart at 12nn, but left at around 11 am since the boat was already fully-loaded. The 2 hours I killed sitting and waiting on the boat had me contemplating whether I had made the best decision, but then I remembered that surrendering everything to God in leading me the way is still the best when it comes to spontaneous matters like this.


I disembarked at Kaputian Port after almost an hour of sea travel from Sta. Ana Wharf. Some friendly locals asking me about my destination assisted to find me a motorcycle ride that would bring me to the resort. Although an option to avail the resort's SUV ride was available, the rate of P500 per way was too expensive for a solo budget traveler like me, far from the Php 100 I paid for one way of a deadly butt-numbing adventure of a motorcycle ride. Traversing 10.6 kilometers of  hilly rough road of Kaputian sort of reminded me of the realities of life in an instant- the journey itself made me utter a number of heartfelt prayers while at the same time, shifting my perspective on the beautiful scenic view even if the road we're coursing through is morbid and dismal. Just like life, huh.

But then, just like in real life, you have to keep your eyes on the prize. And upon seeing the beach and feeling the tranquility of the place that warmly welcomed me, I believe that the prize was worth more than the impediments I experienced along the journey. Having been informed that the only accommodation left was the tree house, I was surprised that I was the only guest in the resort when I arrived, thus I got to enjoy that much-needed solitude. Though it was not  really made to be a retreat venue, this peaceful getaway was already enough for me to achieve what I have been longing for.

This is exactly where I needed to be - a place which is not (that) far away from Davao yet away from too many people with a relaxing view of the beach and a struggling network connection that will make you ditch the technology away. Aside from that, my humble abode for an overnight stay was a tree house with its own hammock beneath it, and perched on a tree just a few steps away from the beach. So just imagine how satisfying and fulfilling it was to have all the laid-back elements of an island life with nothing but me and my personal time with God. 

It was truly a blessing for me to experience a peaceful getaway here in Island Garden Resort in Pangubatan. I was able to achieve what I wanted to do while at the same time, I got to experience a relaxing beach escapade. As you see, it was far from my original plan, but God was indeed amazing that He has given me the best way of finding and experiencing Him through this unforgettable adventure. 

Purok 1, Barangay Pangubatan, Kaputian District

Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte

Contact No: (082) 284-0168 / (082) 298-5582

                    0906-563-0057 / 0922-725-6163

Email: igrpangubatan@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islandgardenresortinpangubatan