In Hindu language, Sam means doer of good deeds while Kara refers to inner harmony. This is what Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort is all about - all of nature's goodness in harmony with you. Inspired by the beauty and the calmness of its surroundings, Samkara aims to provide guests a place where they can truly relax, meditate and just appreciate nature and countryside living in its most basic.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We dine at their restaurant to celebrate my father-in-law's birthday. To be fair, staff are friendly and accomodating but needs more training as one of them don't know what are the toppings of Samkara Pizza. Pizza Margherita was a joke. I particulary love the harvest salad (tho most of it were just lettuce, no flower as shown in the menu) and the pancit lucban. It takes a lot of time to bill out, we actually went to the cashier because we are waiting too long for the bill. Overall, location is superb with ducks and fishes. Instagramable area. I just hope in the future they add small cakes for birthday celebrations.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I went on pilgrimage to visit Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban. We googled for accommodation and there were only few.We found the Samkara website and it has caught our eyes and booked this for 3 nights. I must commend the developer of this website and the photographer who took the photos. They did a very good job because the photos are deceiving. Maybe it's my fault because I thought this was some sort of a health spa or retreat resort but it's not. Anyway, this is out of Lucban town proper. It is situated at the boundary of Majajay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon. Our room was not ready when we arrived We were placed in a hut which was infested with mosquitoes all over. The mosquito net and the electric mosquito killer lamp were not enough to make the insects stay away. On our 1st night, the cable tv was not working and they have to replace it. No wifi in the hut. Wifi is only available in the reception and worse, it's pocket wifi so I was offline the whole 3 days. The shower has to be fixed by the service staff. Every time we had a shower, it flooded the bathroom area. When I asked for a walis ting-ting to get the water into the drain, the service staff advised that they will drain it after we shower every time. This was very inconvenient experience for us. When we went around to have a look at the resort, there was a pool with no water in it. The foods in the restaurant were nothing special but the service staff were very good and polite. The restaurant has video music but during our stay it was always the David Foster concert video being played around everytime. We got sick of it that we asked the service staff to change to news channel. Unfortunately, the service staff did not know how to operate the dvd so we were stuck with that video for 3 days. The only entertainment we got from this place was from "Momay" the pet chimp. Give this a miss. My suggestion when in Lucban, just do a day tour.
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Date of stay: July 2015
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded Aug 26, 2015
Dear Valued Guest, We received with much concern, through Trip Advisor your review of your recent stay at Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort. The resort just opened its doors last May 8, 2015 and is still in the process of fine tuning its operations and facility. This, of course, is not an excuse and we apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. Rest assured that we are doing our best and taking into consideration all comments and recommendations we get from guests like you to improve the place and the quality of our service. With regards to your other concerns, please refer to below: 1. Website - Photos used in the website were raw footage taken by one of our employees and no professional alterations were done. We opted not to seek professional services since the place just opened and still in the process of further improvements. To prevent our resort to be mistaken as a spa resort, we emphasized that the place is where you can enjoy nature and no mention that we are providing spa services and facilities. We also included a site map in the website where it was indicated that the resort is situated along the Majayjay-Lucban road with a description on how to travel to the resort coming from Alabang for easier reference. 2. Bathroom – We have noted your concern and rest assured that this will be rectified soon. 3. Internet - We have been talking to telecom companies who can service the area and provide internet service. Unfortunately, the vicinity still has to be developed for them to install sites that will provide the internet in the area. The pocket Wi-Fi that we are currently sharing with our guests and/or patrons is merely a band aid solution until such time; we get a go signal to apply for a stronger internet signal in the resort. 4. Mosquitoes in the room- As you may have noticed since the whole resort is surrounded by rice fields and natural materials were used in the construction of your rooms, there are certain times of the day that some flying insects are visible though they are not a threat to anyone since they prey on other insects. Nevertheless, we made sure our rooms have screens and provide insect repellents to ensure you have a comfortable stay. 5. Food - We have noted your comments on the food and we are taking into consideration to incorporate international cuisine as not all Filipino foods cater to the palate of our foreign occupants. 6. Entertainment at the Restaurant – We sincerely apologize for the continuous playing of the same concert in our restaurant. The said video was well requested and we have taken for granted that there may be people who have watched it a couple of times. We have already coming up with a schedule of videos to be played for variety and entertainment of our guests. We also noted your commendation on our staff. Rest assured that we are continuously reminding and training our staff to be consistent in having a friendly and positive attitude when dealing with customers. We hope to regain your confidence by serving you in a more presentable manner in the future. Should you decide to stay again with us, please do not hesitate to contact us and we shall make all necessary arrangements to make sure your stay will be a pleasurable one. Our kindest regards, Karina Abundancia Manila Sales Office
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Went for a family lunch last Easter, and food was great!!! We enjoyed the scenery and the service. Worth the trip and we will definitely go back to experience the accommodation next time....it is definitely a gem...
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded Sep 8, 2015
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your wonderful experience. We are delighted that you had a wonderful stay. Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort aims to provide its guests a way to relax and just appreciate nature and countryside living in its most basic form. Comments like this warms our heart and motivates us more to continue improving the resort and its services. We are delighted that you enjoyed the environment and the food. Please note that we are coming up with different themes every month and you may want to check that out on your next visit. Your kind words is greatly appreciated and will be shared with the whole team. Looking forward to welcoming you again in the future. Kind regards, Karina Abundancia Manila Sales Office
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Place is nice and clean but very poor customer service. No one helped in baggage to room and upon check out. Additional extra bed is just a mattress on the floor. Employees left while we were still in the restaurant. Plates were only cleared the following morning. Breakfast was too expensive compared to other hotel we stayed in the city
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Im supposed to review for my upcoming exams but i ended up doing nothing in this overpriced accomodation. First - wifi is not working. They are not doing anything to fix it. Secondly - they made me pay for additional 400 pesos on top of my paid agoda booking! They told me that theres no available room as per my agoda booking so they made me pay extra!. Also, for me, foods here are so expensive, and the pool is not so inviting. Rooms and architectural designs are perfect - one thing good i can say. I will not come back here.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We travelled 2.5 hours and was very excited to enjoy what Samkara has to offer only to be greeted by "Sorry you do not have booking or reservation." What?! Very tired and hungry only to be informed this way. So i suggest those who will travel from afar do not go to this place if you do not have a reservation. better to be safe than sorry.
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Date of stay: May 2017
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Book first
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friends and I were so excited when we arrived at Samkara. We were greeted with colorful umbrellas, plants and a breezy atmosphere. Everything was perfect until the lady in the front desk told us that the swimming pool is not yet ready to use until 10am but she offered that we can extend our stay until 7pm. It was very frustrating to see while the pool is getting filled with water inch by inch. 10am came by but the water in the pool was still ankle deep. It was very disappointing for us who came all the way from Manila just to experience their pool. Hoping that we can swim on a really hot weather.
Last Friday we experienced the expectation vs reality scene.
I suggest that you call the resort first before going. Whoever checks their facebook account is not reliable. Imagine telling your guest who just arrived that you can't use their main facility. I wish the lady in the front desk told us the truth. You should've told us it will be filled by 10pm instead of 10am so that we were able to see the other wonders of Quezon.
You failed us Samkara. No shower room for day trippers. A lot of OJT staff who also doesn't know anything about the place. Thanks a lot samkara. You just ruined our vacation.
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Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded May 18, 2016
Dear Cheska P We received with much concern, through Trip Advisor your review of your recent stay at Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort. With the resort operating for a year and the current improvements made in the place, we are still in the process of fine tuning its operations and facility. This, of course, is not an excuse and we apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. Rest assured that we are doing our best and taking into consideration all comments and recommendations we get from guests like you to improve the place and the quality of our service. With regards to your other concerns, please refer to below: 1. Swimming Pool - It is our commitment that we keep our facilities in its best shape thus we ensure that the water from the pool is replaced when needed. On the day of your reservations however, the resort encountered some mechanical problems diverting the water to the pool thus the long wait for it to be filled. We immediately had our piping checked to ensure the same incident will be prevented in the future. 2. OJT Staff / Samkara Employee – Please note that we started taking OJT just this summer. Although it is not an excuse for their lack of knowledge of the resort, we are taking measures to re-train and re-orient our OJTs about the details and pertinent information regarding the resort. As for the lack of feedback provided, we have called the attention of the said employee and reminded her that all our guests should be provided with updates for them to plan their travel and/or vacation accordingly. We hope to regain your confidence by serving you in a more presentable manner in the future. Should you decide to stay again with us, please do not hesitate to contact us and we shall make all necessary arrangements to make sure your stay will be a pleasurable one. Our kindest regards.
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Sometimes the best getaways are not even beaches like this countryside resort and restaurant I booked in weeks ago in Lucban, Quezon Province. Called Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort, the establishment serves delicious local cuisine and has rustic overnight accommodations that remind me of my old folks' houses in the province. It even has a spring water infinity pool. The twist? It has a stunning view of the rice field next door. My booked native room has a veranda that offers a view of the same rice field which was relaxing to see in the couple of mornings I stayed there. I honestly enjoyed feasting on local dishes like Hardinera, Longgasinang Lucban, and even Fried Biya which a lot of my Pinoy friends abroad are wanting to covet every chance they get since it's only available locally. The establishment has a souvenir shop that offers lambanog and vinegar products, but I bought a locally-made peanut butter item instead. I rode the shuttle of the resort to the town proper for a walk tour of the old church, a museum, and various restaurants, plus I was toured by a staff at the nearby Taytay Falls (15 minutes away from the resort). The place is not that big and doesn't have a lot of guest rooms so there's a perfect exclusive feel when you're a guest.
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Date of stay: August 2015
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Book the Mayaw Room because it has the most modern interiors. Recommended for couples.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded Jul 19, 2016
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your wonderful experience. We are delighted that you had a wonderful stay. Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort aims to provide its guests a way to relax and just appreciate nature and countryside living in its most basic form. Comments like this warms our heart and motivates us more to continue improving the resort and its services. Your kind words is greatly appreciated and will be shared with the whole team. Looking forward to welcoming you again in the future. Kind regards, Karina Abundancia Manila Sales Office
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This garden resort is situated along the highway exactly right after the boundary marker that separates Majayjay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon. Beside it are rice paddies that allow an open view of the fields which could be beautiful during planting season and before harvest time, but could look empty and depressing during summer. The resort is less than a year old and needs a lot of greenery to match the beautiful native cottages made of bamboo and indigenous materials. This place is ideal for anyone who wants to get away from the city noise and just sit idly watching the fields. Other than this, there is nothing to do inside the resort. I was impressed though by the attentiveness of the staff who showed us around the resort and inside the rooms which looked very relaxing and comfortable. This resort has the potential to be a good place to stay, but I think that it is overpriced - given their location, status of amenities available and in relation to the hotel rates in the central part of Lucban which is just 10 minutes away from the resort.In my opinion, the current condition of the resort has yet to live up to the impression that it is trying to create in their printed brochures and website.
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Date of stay: October 2015
Value
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Not all rooms are air-conditioned. Some only have electrical fans.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded Jul 19, 2016
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your wonderful experience. We would like to thank you for your review and for your appreciation of our staff's attentiveness to your needs. We have noted your concerns and we would like to advise that all the rooms in the resort are now equipped with aircon due to the request of our guests. We have also added our Silong Bar which is our Videoke Room which our in-house guests can use during their stay in the resort. We do hope that in case you are within the area to please visit us again so that you may see the improvements made in the resort since it first opened. Looking forward to welcoming you again in the future. Kind regards, Karina Abundancia Manila Sales Office
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Went here on its soft opening with my kids and some colleagues. We fell in love with the place! The pool is not yet done and some areas are still under construction BUT STILL the place was AMAZING!
My kids love the place and kept borrowing my camera just to take photos. It was a very hot weather in Manila but here, you will have an impression you are in a different place and time. Air was cold, the sun is not scorching hot.
The room is great too. It is like staying in a hotel in Manila but with a native touch.
The food was also divine. This place converted me to loving veggies. Please please try the Pako Salad.... I can eat two servings of this and honestly I don't even want to share it... The Pancit HabHab is also to die for...who would have known putting vinegar to this will make it more delish!
We will definitely be back as soon as I get the news that their pool is operational. Heard they will be using non chlorinated water... Looking forward to that.
By the way, we only commuted to this place and it's an amazing 2 hours travel at P170 per head...not bad...not bad...
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Date of stay: March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KareAbundancia, Manila Sales Office at Samkara Restaurant & Garden Resort
Responded Sep 8, 2015
Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your wonderful experience. We are delighted that you had a wonderful stay. Samkara Restaurant and Garden Resort aims to provide its guests a way to relax and just appreciate nature and countryside living in its most basic form. Comments like this warms our heart and motivates us more to continue improving the resort and its services. We are delighted that you enjoyed the environment and the food. Please note that we are coming up with different themes every month and you may want to check that out on your next visit. Your kind words is greatly appreciated and will be shared with the whole team. Looking forward to welcoming you again in the future. Kind regards, Karina Abundancia Manila Sales Office
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Betchie, if the said reunion only requires a venue for the said reunion, yes it can accommodate 100 pax. For the rooms we may be able to accommodate approximately 40 persons sharing in different rooms. You may call or text us at 09176742693 or provide us your contact number and we can ask a personnel from Samkara to give you a call. Thank you.
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