Once the largest shopping mall in the Philippines, SM Mall of Asia in Manila is now the most popular place to shop in the city. Located in Bay City, Pasay, Manila, the Philippines, this mall is part of the SM Malls group and is spread out over thousands of square feet of area. With over 700 shops from a variety of brands, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Everyone can enjoy the amazing array of value-added attractions here. An amusement park, sports and concert arena, Olympic-sized ice skating rink, a massive cinema complex, Science Center, and a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment outlets located on the mall premises give one a fair idea about its enormity. If a day isn’t enough to explore, there are Reddoorz hotels that provide great accommodations. Scroll down to learn about the top things to do at the SM Mall of Asia, Manila, the Philippines.
Things to do
Experience the thrilling rides of By The Bay Amusement Park
Wondering about the places to visit at the SM Mall of Asia? Well, you can start by visiting the amusement park on its premises known as By The Bay Amusement Park. The amusement park is home to some thrilling rides and attractions like a giant Ferris wheel that gives superb views of the surrounding area, a carousel, toy trains, swings, food stalls, rides and more. Not to be missed here are the bumper cars that are popular with many visitors.
Go ice skating at SM Skating Rink
One of the fun things to do here is to go ice skating at the Olympic-sized ice skating rink located inside the mall. Open to visitors of all ages, you can enjoy skating lessons, sledge rides or go skating on the open rink if you know how to skate. The rink can also be reserved for games and hockey practice sessions.
Catch a game or a concert at Mall of Asia Arena
Outdoing all other malls, SM Mall of Asia even has a sports-cum-concert area on its premises called Mall of Asia Arena. This massive eye-shaped arena can seat up to 20,000 people and is the perfect place to catch a game or take in a concert. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern features, this arena will enhance your game-watching or concert-viewing experience.
1. Bring your kids to Gootopia (from USD 12.0)
This indoor activity in the SM Mall of Asia is an absolute blast for kids and families and offers a unique and interactive experience that combines fun, creativity, and education. Kids get to immerse themselves in the colourful world of gooey slime, learning about its fascinating properties through hands-on experiments. They can customize their own slime creations, exploring various textures and colours, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.
With professional guidance, the activity ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to unleash their imagination. It’s a wonderful opportunity for bonding, as parents can join in the fun too. Plus, the sheer joy of squishing, stretching, and playing with slime is simply irresistible for kids and kids at heart!
Gootopia Ticket in Manila Philippines
What to eat
Sarsá Kitchen + Bar
Sample some traditional Filipino and Negrense dishes prepared with a modern twist at the Sarsa Kitchen + Bar located on Level 2 of the Entertainment Mall at SM Mall of Asia. This Filipino-Negrense bistro offers dishes from various regions of the Philippines, made using traditional recipes with the best quality local ingredients. Try their chicken inasal (spice-marinated and coal-grilled chicken), sinigang (sour and savoury Filipino stew), isaw (barbecued pork or chicken), etc.
Rita’s Italian Ice
Straight from the Northeastern shores of the U.S. is this Italian-American dessert place located in SM Mall of Asia - Rita’s Italian Ice. This frozen dessert place is famous for their more than 65 flavours of iced treats. Sample their gelato, milkshakes and frozen custards. Try a gelati, blendini custard or go for an all-custard option.
2. Din Tai Fung
Relishing a delicious spread at the SM Mall of Asia is an activity for adults that promises good times with the family. Din Tai Fung is a foodie’s haven renowned for its delectable menu and, of course, its famous xiao long bao. The menu here is a culinary adventure, featuring a delightful array of Taiwanese dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
What steals the spotlight is their iconic xiao long bao – these delicate, soup-filled dumplings are a true masterpiece. Each bite bursts with rich, savoury broth and tender meat, creating an explosion of flavour in your mouth. It’s no wonder people flock to Din Tai Fung; their commitment to using the finest ingredients and perfecting the art of dumpling-making has earned them a well-deserved reputation.
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Things to buy
Miniature jeepneys
The most popular means of transport in the Philippines, jeepneys, are omnipresent in the country, especially in Metro Manila. And what better souvenir to take home that will remind you of your time in the country than a miniature jeepney. Sold at souvenir shops across the country, you can buy these in a variety of sizes, colours and materials. At SM Mall of Asia, you can find a variety of miniature jeepneys at Kultura Filipino store. Buy one for yourself or gift to a loved one during your Manila shopping. A miniature jeepney is a must-buy item here.
Unique couple and family gifts
At Me & U Gift Shop, shop for creative and unique gifts suitable for a couple or a fun-loving family. Me & U is the country’s first couple-themed store in the Philippines that has expanded its range to family items as well. Buy cute couple or family t-shirts with cheeky text, bright colours or prints on them. Slippers, mugs, pillowcases, etc., are very popular items here and suitable for gifting on any occasion.
Travelers tips
Wheelchair accessibility
The SM Mall of Asia is an attraction that caters to people of all ages and groups. Most areas of the mall are accessible to visitors on wheelchairs. There are elevators at various levels and areas of the mall for ease of access. You can even rent a wheelchair at the entrance of the mall. In certain areas like the Mall of Asia Arena, special access lanes for people in wheelchairs are also provided.
Come early to the Mall of Asia Arena
If you are visiting the mall to watch a concert at the Mall of Asia Arena, it is advisable to reach early to ensure ease of access and avoid long queues at the entrance.
How to get there
Public transport
The mall can be easily accessed via public transport and the nearest train station is EDSA-Taft Avenue for the LRT and MRT train services. After alighting at the station, you can take a bus headed towards the SM Mall Asia or Baclaran.
Jeepneys or taxis
The most popular way to travel in the city is via a jeepney (group transportation option in colourfully decorated jeeps) and it is also the most convenient way to reach the mall. Jeepneys can be accessed from almost anywhere in the city and you can even find jeepneys with MOA (Mall of Asia) signboards on them.
Taxi
Taxis are also easily available from any place in the city, especially at the train stations, and taxi drivers will easily take you to the mall.
Private cars
You could also reach the mall by driving your own car or a rental car and since the mall is located at the southern tip of EDSA road in the city, driving directions are easily available. But traffic can be dense during peak hours, so be prepared for it.
Parking information
Ample parking spots are available in and around the mall. The mall has nearly 8,000 parking spaces scattered across its various areas.
SM Mall Of Asia information
SM Mall Of Asia
Address: G/F Main Mall SM Central Business Park, SM Mall of Asia, 123 Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, the Philippines
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Official Website: SM Super Malls
Department of tourism: Pasay City Government