Chemas by the Sea is one of the resorts that line the Samal coastline fronting Davao City. It can be reached by chartered boat from Waterfront Hotel (PhP150, one way). Fine white sand and the unspoiled beauty of the sunset over Davao City makes Chemas a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
A choice of cabanas (PhP 1,500/night) and an air-conditioned room (PhP 3,500/night) lets you sleep by the sea. Being a small place, it has a certain exclusivity to it that heals the body of stress and rejuvenates the spirit.
Quick Tips:
It is best to always reserve for a place before proceeding to Chemas. Get in touch with Quincho, the manager and owner of the place (0917-814-0814) for him to prepare your place.
Food is also cooked per order so it is best to order earlier than when you would be eating. Try the sotanghon guisado, it should be worth it. Food is not hefty though, so be ready to order for more than your normal fare.
Water though is a bit difficult to get by, or expensive from the restaurant. You may bring your own water jugs if you want.
It is best to stay overnight, as the beach dries up because of low tide throughout the most part of the day. Water for swimming is best starting at 4pm onwards, and early morning. Chemas has a swimming pool though so you can soak up while waiting for the tides to turn up.
My favorite thing to do in Chemas is jumping off the jetty to the clear waters below at sunset. Exhilarating indeed to see the sun set while jumping into the water.Best Way To Get Around:
Contact Quincho and he can arrange a boat to pick you up from the Waterfront Hotel. Taxis can take you from your hotel to the Waterfront Hotel. It is about PhP 50 from downtown.
Alternately, the more adventurous route is to ride the passenger ferry from KM11 to Babak in Samal (PhP8). From the pier, get a multicab or a motorcycle to get you to chemas (PhP 30 - PhP 100). Caution needs to be exercised though as some drivers could charge more than this rate especially if you look like a foreigner. Better go with a local if you want this route.