🎄✨ Sampaguita Gardens Resort in Aklan – Christmas Magic & Precious Moments in New Washington

🏡 Our First Magical Stop in Kalibo

Our Kalibo adventure began on a cheerful note with a visit to the Sampaguita Gardens Resort—a name that locals immediately recognize as a landmark in Aklan’s travel scene.

Nestled in the quiet town of New Washington, this 2.6-hectare resort is not your typical beachside getaway. It’s a mix of charm, nostalgia, and year-round holiday magic that made me feel like a kid again.

🌸 The resort gets its name from the Sampaguita, the Philippine national flower—and also a touching nod to the street children in Manila, whom artist and owner Samuel John Butcher was inspired by. Mr. Butcher is the creative genius behind the Precious Moments characters, known for their big-eyed innocence and messages of love, care, and kindness.

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🏰 What to See Inside Sampaguita Gardens

When we arrived—just before closing time—we managed to get in with a ₱50 entrance fee (which you can use to buy from the shop, by the way!). There wasn’t a tour guide, which was honestly a blessing in disguise—it gave us the freedom to explore and take everything in slowly.

Here are the highlights of our whimsical wander:

🪑 Precious Moments Pathway

We were welcomed by adorable Precious Moments statues scattered along the walkway. I couldn’t resist sitting on a bench for a quick photo. It’s that kind of place—every corner feels like a photo op.

✨ The Holy Family Scene

One heartwarming sight was their Precious Moments Holy Family. Around it, there were animal statues that made the place even more endearing—something both adults and kids would appreciate.

🎁 Jojo’s Christmas Cottage

This was the moment I had been waiting for! I saw it from a distance while still exploring the gardens—and when we finally reached it, my heart literally skipped. Sadly, the Jojo’s Christmas Cottage rooms were under maintenance, but just standing outside, taking pictures, and peeking through the windows was enough to give me Christmas chills.

🎄 Inside the reception building (which also houses Sim Sam’s Restaurant), the Christmas decorations were already enchanting. I couldn’t help but imagine how magical the cottage interiors would be during peak season.

🎪 Sammy’s Circus

Just across the cottage is Sammy’s Circus, named after Mr. Butcher’s grandson. The concept is adorable, but unfortunately, the rides were no longer working and looked a bit neglected. I do hope they restore it—it could be a hit for kids again.

🛐 Meditation Chapel

At the back of the cottage sits a small Meditation Chapel. Maybe it was just getting dark, or maybe it was the quiet, but the area felt a bit eerie. Still, it was a calming walk—especially after all the picture-taking excitement.

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🗺️ How to Get There from Kalibo Town Proper:

🚖 Step 1: Take a tricycle from your hotel to the New Washington terminal
🛺 Step 2: Ride another tricycle to Sampaguita Gardens Resort (Fare: ₱20 per person)

📍 #1 Sampaguita Avenue, New Washington, Aklan
🕖 Opening Hours (Museum): 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
🎟️ Entrance Fee: ₱50 (Consumable at the souvenir shop)
📞 Contact: (+636)264-3422
📧 Email: mariamae_sjb@yahoo.com
🌐 Website: sampaguitagardensresort.weebly.com

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📸 Tips for a More Magical Visit

✅ Go early to enjoy the full experience without rushing
✅ Bring extra cash—there are souvenir shops with Precious Moments merch
✅ Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who love themed attractions
✅ Don’t miss the wooden benches and vintage car photo spots

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❤️ Sampaguita Gardens isn’t just a resort—it’s a place that makes you pause, smile, and maybe remember what it felt like to believe in magic. Even though we came late, I left with a full heart—and a phone full of photos.

Whether you're a fan of Precious Moments, love Christmas all year round, or simply want to see something truly unique in Aklan—Sampaguita Gardens deserves a spot on your itinerary.

🎄✨ Add a touch of Christmas magic to your Kalibo trip—visit Sampaguita Gardens and create memories wrapped in joy and wonder.

Our first stop in Kalibo is the famous Sampaguita Gardens Resort. Recognized as a major landmark in Travel and Industry in Kalibo. It's one of the investments that helped establish the municipality of New Washington.