The summer sun is blazing, and the travel itch is getting stronger by the day. Sure, you could try to hibernate indoors with the AC cranked up, but where's the fun in that? The Philippines is a tropical paradise, after all, with countless spots to soak up the sun and embrace the vibrant energy of the season.
Planning a vacation is exciting, but let's be real, packing mishaps happen. You meticulously plan your outfits, book your flights, and research all the must-see sights, only to realize at the last minute you forgot your trusty sunscreen (or worse, your swimsuit!). But fear not, because even on vacation, you're never too far away from an SM Supermall.
Packing woes got you down? Fear not! SM acts as your summer safety net, offering essentials (from sunscreen to swimsuits) even on vacation. So here’s a quick guide to THE favorite summer destinations in the Philippines!
Head up north and enjoy the cooler temperature in Baguio City
With its cool weather even through the hot summer months, Baguio is the country’s summer capital for a reason. Add to it temperate weather and rustic vibe are SM City Baguio and Skyranch Baguio, which make any trips to the City of Pines even more worth it. They are right in the heart of the city, less than 10 minutes away on foot from famous Baguio hotspots like the Burnham Park or the Baguio Cathedral.
If you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities to try while in the city, then Skyranch Baguio is the destination for you. There are about 20 attractions at this Skyranch branch, all of which you can ride for only PHP 350!
On the other hand, SM City Baguio offers a shopping haven for all your needs. It's got over 400 stores, including your faves like SM Appliance Center, The SM Store, SM Supermarket, Sports Central, Surplus, and Our Home. SM Baguio is also the first mall in the city that has in-mall electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, thus making travels to the City of Pines a lot more sustainable.
But the real star? The Sky Terrace! This open-air spot is perfect for catching cool breezes and grabbing a delicious meal with a view. Grab a slice of the delightful strawberry shortcake from homegrown Vizcos’s Restaurant and Cake Shop or go for the cult-favorite dishes at Hill Station Bistro. Whatever you are looking for, you will surely get your #BaguioFeelsAtSM without having to leave the mall.
How to get there
Baguio, reachable in 4-6 hours by bus from Manila, Pasay, or Quezon City, offers a convenient escape. Some buses offer extra perks like WiFi, more space, and restrooms. Ticket prices range from PHP 500 to PHP 1,000. Air travelers arrive at Loakan Airport, conveniently located just 7 kilometers from Baguio city center.
Prepare to be pampered! Pampanga promises a feast for the senses with mouthwatering food and exciting discoveries.
Pampanga has a rich cultural heritage, evident in its preservation of ancestral houses that have been in the province for decades if not centuries. Most of all, Pampanga is touted as the “food capital” of the Philippines due to its wide array of culinary masterpieces. And when it's good finds and good deals that you seek while in town, SM City Clark or SM City Pampanga are the top choices for the ultimate shopping spree.
SM City Clark is just a 15-minute drive from the Clark International Airport, which serves most of Central Luzon. SM City Clark is home to about 500 shops and restaurants that every shopaholic and foodie will surely love.
This summer, SM City Clark invites you to meet the Furry Squad at the Event Center. These 15-foot furry friends may be called monsters but they are far from scary! They are colorful and furry and always smiling—perfect for a selfie or a groufie with the gang. They also have the Weekend Market from Saturday to Sunday where you can score the freshest produce from your local farmers.
Before heading off, make sure to drop by Susie’s Cuisine to get your fill of mouthwatering kakanin that has been a Pampanga favorite through the years. Get your tummies filled too from the delightful menu of yet another Pampangueno favorite: Nathaniel’s.
SM City Pampanga
Just 40 minutes away from SM City Clark is the longest mall in the country: SM City Pampanga. The reason why it’s called the longest mall is because it runs from the City of San Fernando all the way to the town of Mexico.
SM City Pampanga also has something for everyone to enjoy this summer season. For starters, only in this SM mall can you snap a photo with these giant friends: Ellie the elephant and Gigi the giraffe! Get ready for a trunk load of surprises at SM City Pampanga.
Albay: Where history whispers and Mayon's majestic form dominates the landscape.
The province of Albay is home to one of the most picturesque sights in the entire Philippines—the Mayon Volcano. SM City Legazpi is also right in the heart of the city, just a 7-minute walk away from downtown Legazpi! It is just a 6-minute ride away from the Legazpi Airport—even just 18 minutes away from the famous Cagsawa Ruins.
From dining, to shopping, to even entertainment, SM City Legazpi has hundreds of stores available to satisfy every need or want—including having your fill of local flavor from Bicol’s very own Biggs Diner All Star.
SM City Legazpi’s Food Hall has the best view of the majestic Mayon Volcano,
which adds to the delightful Bicolano dining experience
But perhaps the biggest reason why you should stop by SM City Legazpi is its majestic view of Mount Mayon. At this SM mall, you can hop on a food crawl and savor local fares while marveling at the perfectly-shaped volcano in view. What a treat!
How to get there
You can reach Albay by either land or air. Buses run daily from Manila to Legazpi, tickets start at around PHP 1,000, and the journey takes at least 12 hours, depending on traffic. Flying from Manila to Albay, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Enjoy yet another slice of heaven on Earth here in Palawan
Palawan is an amazing tropical destination that continues to wow its visitors for its impressive flora, crystal clear waters, as well as modern amenities and great shopping experiences offered by the likes of SM City Puerto Princesa. This SM mall, which boasts 200 shops and restos housed in a resort-style concept, is just a stone’s throw away from Puerto Princesa International Airport.
From SM City Puerto Princesa Facebook Page
Palawan is home to a number of dove spots that will leave you in awe. Exploring the shipwrecks in Coron is a popular activity that gives enthusiasts a glimpse of the past. Meanwhile, a dive in the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reef is where you can enjoy a pristine view of underwater life. But before heading out to these recommended dive sites, find everything you need for summer at The SM Store, from swimsuits to sunscreen and goggles. Plus, every Sunday, shop for fresh produce at the Sunday Market, featuring locally grown items at great prices. Afterwards, enjoy a hearty Filipino meal at Gerry’s Grill or go for a refreshing and healthy yogurt drink from Koomi, among many other food options available here.
In addition, let the buskers sing your favorite songs during the Summer Serenade. Dance to groovy beats at the Sunset Disco Huetopia. Get your summer must-haves and score great deals at the Summer Market booths. All these and more because #EverythingsHereAtSM this summer!
How to get there
Visitors to Palawan often go to these three major hotspots: Puerto Princesa, which is the province’s capital; Coron, known for its dive sites; and El Nido, known for its breathtaking views and limestone rocks and formations. Most local airlines fly directly to Puerto Princesa City, whose airport is right in the heart of the city.
Get your dose of sun, sand, and sea only here at the Queen City of the South: Cebu!
Cebu City is steeped in heritage, culture, a bevy of natural wonders, an array of delectable dishes and a spectacular shopping experience at SM City Cebu or SM Seaside City.
From SM City Cebu Facebook Page
SM City Cebu boasts over 500 stores, serving more than 100,000 mallgoers daily. Conveniently located in the North Reclamation Area, it's just a short distance from popular attractions and excellent hotels like Radisson Blu, offering hassle-free accommodation.
This summer, SM City Cebu opens its Majestic Realm by the rotunda, where you can experience the fairy tale life through these colorful and life-like installations! Get your tummies filled with delightful dishes from Country Basket or go for an ice-cold cup of gelato from Gelatissimo.
On the Sidebarsother hand, SM Seaside City is just 15 minutes away by car from SM City Cebu. It houses over 700 stores across and is known for its unique circular shape. SM Seaside City is bringing out all the fun stops this summer by introducing SM Wonderland 2024!
Meet friendly dinosaurs at the Dino Huetopia, revel in the greens at the Garden Huetopia, or even enjoy a relaxing view of the waters at the Seascape Huetopia. After having fun at SM Wonderland, head on to Loca Kitchen Cafe for a bite of good ol’ Western and Latin cuisines. Craving ramen? Then Dotonbori Ramen should be on your list. These larger-than-life attractions and the endless list of dining options are sure to add a splash of color and flavor to your already wonderful summer here at SM.
How to get there
No matter where you are in the Philippines, you can easily fly to Cebu via the Mactan International Airport, conveniently located just 30-40 minutes away by car from popular destinations like SM City Cebu or SM Seaside Cebu. For a budget-friendly and efficient option, MyBus provides transportation between the airport and SM City Cebu from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, ensuring hassle-free travel.
Unleash your inner explorer in Davao: culture, cuisine, and nature await!
Experience Davao's vibrant culture, thrilling adventures, and warm hospitality. However, a super fun Davao adventure also awaits you at SM City Davao (also known as SM Ecoland) or SM Lanang. SM City Davao is just a 13-minute ride from downtown Davao City. Meanwhile, SM Lanang, a 22-minute drive from SM City Davao, offers upscale shopping, luxury brands, and fine dining options.
Before exploring Davao City, make sure you’ve loaded up on all the essentials like sunscreens, which you can get from Watsons. Grab a cool tumbler from Aquaflask too, to make sure that you’re always hydrated wherever you go.
Lastly, don’t leave SM City Davao without snapping a selfie with the über cute Super Mon. It’s practically a must when in Davao City! Located just an hour’s ride from SM City Davao, Samal Island is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, island hopping, and beach bumming.
After soaking up all the cool beach vibes from Samal Island, head over to SM Lanang, also just an hour away by car, to enjoy delectable grilled specialties from BBQ Nation or fresh seafood fares only at Marina Tuna. In addition to shopping and dining, SM Lanang is bumping up the #SummerHangoutAtSM by having inflatable attractions at The Atrium. From April 6 to May 31, both kids and the young-at-heart can enjoy delightful interactions with these furry buddies.
As night falls, SM Lanang comes alive with an enchanting lights show by the fountains, transforming the mall into a mesmerizing spectacle that's not to be missed!
How to get there
The quickest and easiest way to get to Davao City is by air. Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also called Davao International Airport, is the main entry point, serving both local and international flights.
Revel in the beauty of the country’s Tuna Capital and have all the fun in GenSan!
General Santos City (a.k.a. GenSan) is just a 3-hour drive away from Davao City and is home to the 45th SM mall in the country, SM City General Santos. Much like all our beloved SM malls, SM City General Santos offers a familiar lineup of favorites, including The SM Store, SM Supermarket, ACE Hardware, Surplus, and Cyberzone. Don't miss the SM Foodcourt, serving up a delectable array of treats with a picturesque outdoor view of downtown General Santos City.
From SM City General Santos Facebook Page
Adding to its allure this summer is SM City General Santos’ huetopia attraction: Fin the Whale! Ready your cameras as these colorful attractions surely deserve a spot in your Instagram or TikTok feeds.
The little ones are in for a blast at Funventures, where they can dive into excitement with options like the Bumper Boat, Mini Escape, or the Animal Movers. These summer adventures are bound to become cherished memories, making this season one for the books!
With over 7,107 islands in the Philippines, you will never run out of options to choose from to experience your best summer adventure yet—and we’ve only covered just five! Each of these spots is blessed with an SM mall, making your summer adventures even sweeter. Whether you're shopping, grubbing, or just hanging out, SM Supermalls has your back. So, whether you're heading north or south, you can count on an SM mall to amp up your summer fun in 2024!
Stay connected with us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X to stay in the loop about the newest promos and events at an SM Supermall near you.
