I'm a fan of an old ad campaign for a clothing store that promotes 'working with nature, not against it.' This sentiment extends to various things, including mountain resorts. That's precisely why Camp Sabros in Sitio Barras, Kapatagan, Digos City, has won me over – it seamlessly harmonizes with the environment.

Camp Sabros, located just a beautiful 2-hour drive from bustling Davao City, is a peaceful mountain retreat that also offers fun and thrilling activities.

This special place was part of our tour organized by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines and the Davao del Sur Tourism Development and Promotions Office.

Unexpected Delight Amidst The Rain:

Our initial plan for the adventurous Day 2 of our 5-day retreat in the highlands of Davao del Sur included ziplines and horseback riding. 

However, nature had a different plan. The unexpected rainfall altered our plans, nudging us away from the anticipated adrenaline-pumping activities. In the face of this curveball, we found ourselves seeking solace in the cozy refuge of The Travern, Camp Sabros' charming coffee shop.

At The Tavern, we relished the simple joy of warmth and dryness while the rain played a soothing melody outside.

An Overnight Affair: 

On our second visit, on the fourth day of our Davao del Sur exploration, we elevated our experience with an overnight stay at Camp Sabros.

While waiting for our rooms to be ready, we relaxed in the laid-back atmosphere of the quirky Rebel Bar and Diner, enjoying beers and later having a delightful dinner featuring Filipino cuisine.

The bar resonates with the ambiance of an American roadside attraction. Its vintage decor effortlessly transports visitors to bygone eras, while iconic fast-food mascots evoke a comforting sense of familiarity. It is a treasure trove of nostalgia, with nods to Elvis and an eclectic collection of vintage items, including big bikes, ensuring that each corner exudes a timeless charm.

Our night concluded with a restful stay at Unit 2 of the Old West Inn. 

Old West Inn

It became our haven, and every detail contributed to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the comforting ground floor, where I settled in with a queen-sized bed and convenient amenities, to the second-level attic, where my companion Jeramae enjoyed the extra comfort of two queen-sized beds, every element exuded rustic charm. 

Waking Up to a Canvas of Mountains:

The next day, as the sun touched the horizon, I embraced the serenity of Camp Sabros. The sceneries were breathtaking, with the majestic peaks of Mt. Apo and Mt. Matutum gracing the landscape.

I want to point out that, for most of our stay in Davao del Sur, it was raining, making it difficult to see the mountains. So, this was indeed a blessing.

Afterwards, I leisurely strolled through the camp, marveling at its thoughtfully curated decors. I visited a friend's accommodation and loved how his bed was strategically positioned to unveil a glorious view of the majestic Mt. Apo.

Along the way, I saw a quaint chapel and took a moment to pause and reflect. I felt a swell of gratitude in my heart, expressing thanks to God for the blessings of travel and the profound experiences it brings.

Ziplines and Beyond: 

After a hearty breakfast, we decided to venture into the ziplines at Camp Sabros.

Camp Sabros offers a spectrum of zipline experiences, including the round-trip cable lift, tandem zipline (380 meters), tandem zipline (520 meters), and the tandem/solo zipline ride spanning an impressive 800 meters.

The ziplining spot at the camp offers a stunning view of Mt. Apo. Personally, I appreciate this zipline even more, having tried many in the country and abroad, because of its close proximity to the trees. It was actually more relaxing than exhilarating for me because of that.

Fine-Tuning the Experience: 

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Camp Sabros. The unexpected rain, the cozy coffee shop conversations, the quirky Rebel Bar and Diner, the rustic charm of Unit 2 at The Old West Inn, and the breathtaking views—all made Camp Sabros memorable for me.

As a note, while the overall atmosphere was delightful, I believe a refined focus on customer service could further elevate the guest experience. Additionally, considering an improved parking area away from the amenities would be nice. Lastly, hoping also for better souvenir shop with more Davao del Sur products and less fake luxury items.