The Philippines, a Southeast Asian country in the Western Pacific is made of more than 7,000 islands. Philippines is an excellent shopping destination with its capital city Manila being in the limelight. Shopping in Philippines opens up a wide array of products such as elaborate handicrafts, home-furnishings, jewelry, embroidery and baskets.
Top 6 Places For Shopping In Philippines
These irresistible shopping destinations in Philippines will force you to buy extra suitcases to pack your purchase.
1. Manila
The Americanisation of Philippines is mostly visible in the mall culture Manila. With third-biggest shopping complex in the world, shopping in Philippines, Manila is one of the prime activities in this bayside city. You will find a shopping mall in almost every block of this capital city of Philippines. Wondering what is famous in Manila for shopping? Shop for Philippines pearls, bamboo products, silk products, abaca baskets, barako coffee beans, and a lot more. The Greenbelt 4 and 5 at Ayala Centre and Bonifacio High Street has the most upscale malls. Here you will find popular high-brand outlets like Mango, Armani and Bulgari. Manila is a hub of Philippines shopping malls.
1. 168 Shopping Mall
Located in the Chinatown, 168 Shopping Mall is a popular spot for best shopping in Manila, Philippines. This five-story complex has a good variety of bargain good and accessories including shoes, bag and toys. There are several food carts and restaurants around the complex.
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm
2. Divisoria Market
Best for textile, Divisoria Market has everything you are looking for. The prices of goods are also on wholesale and you can bargain till the last bid.
Opening Hours: 5.30am – 7.30pm
3. Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills is an upmarket shopping centre located in the suburb. Started in 1970’s, the complex has stalls selling video games, clothes, furniture and more.
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu 10am – 8pm, Fri – Sat 10am – 9pm
Manila has many other shopping spots like Silahis Arts & Artifacts, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Manila, Sm MAll of Asia, SM Mega Mall, St Francis Square, Legazpi Sunday Market Robinsons Place Mall and Tiendesitas. You will never fall short of plans if you decide to visit all the shopping in Manila Philippines.
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2. Cebu City
Cebu city’s best shopping experience is fulfilled in its malls. Here, you will find malls that offer high – end shopping and are less chaotic too.
1. Ayala Centre Cebu
The six-storey complex, Ayala Centre, is an up-market mall with international street-fashion brands like Armani Exchange, Guess, Lacoste, Esprit. This is one of the major spot for clothes shopping in Philippines. The mall has two supermarkets, a modern department store, cinemas, health spas, restaurants and other stores.
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu 10am – 9pm, Fri – Sat 10am – 10pm
2. Carbon Market
Carbon is a huge market, some 100 years old. It offers a variety of goods such as fresh meat, vegetables, ingredients, clothing, house decor, religious items, and so on. You can taste the local dishes at the food stalls and restaurants in market. Hire a horse carriage to go around the market.
3. Robinsons Galleria Cebu
Within walking distance from the Port of Cebu is Robinsons Galleria. This is the biggest Robinsons Mall outside Manila. The complex has six-stories with 200 boutiques, stores, restaurants and bars, Robinsons Department Store & Robinsons Appliances. The cinema at the complex has 6 rooms.
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm
Apart from the above listed shoppings areas, Cebu has Sudgo Mercado, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu and Taboan Public Market.
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3. Boracay Island
1. City Mall
Started in February 2017, City Mall is the first real commercial centre in Boracay. The mall offers a comfortable air-conditioned space to shop from its food stalls, fashion boutiques, pharmacy and grocery store. There is also a game-centre for kids.
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm
2. D’Mall
The main shopping and dining centre in Boracay is D’Mall. This open-air maze market has many allays with a large of stalls, kiosks and shops. There are water sports activities available around the mall. You will also find and amusement for your kids.
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm
3. D’Talipapa Market
This seafood market is pretty interesting as you can buy all kinds of fishes, be it shellfish or crustacean. You can either cook it on your own or get it cooked from at any nearby restaurants.
Opening Hours: 7am – 11pm
At Boracay Island, also check out the E Mall, Plazoleta and hawkers on the White Beach for a complete island shopping experience.
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4. Angeles City
1. Shopping Malls
The city has about 6 different shopping malls including SM City Clark, Robinsons, Nepo Mall, Jenra Mall and Marquee Mall.
Opening Hours: Vary from mall to mall
2. Duty Free
If you are looking for a good deal in imported goods and are ready to pay in US dollar then head to any of the Duty Free Stores in the Clark Freeport Zone. Here, you will find many large shops this kind.
3. Food Markets
If you are out to shop for food in Angeles City then you must head to Johnny’s Supermarket on McArthur Highway or JJ Supermarket on Fields Eve.
Shopping in Angeles City leaves you with a vast variety of option to choose from. Angeles City has some local markets also that can serve your shopping needs at best bargain. Apu Friday Market and Pampang Market are two such places. These places are a must if you are looking for some cheap shopping in Philippines.
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5. Bohol Island
1. Antequera
The West of Tagbilaran City is a hub of weavers engaged in making basket wares. There are about 10,000 of them from Antequera, supporting three established firms in the industry. Bohol is an island which is known for its age old weaving skills and Antequera is considered to be the basket capital of Bohol.
2. Bohol Quality Mall
Tagbilaran City’s second largest shopping centre is the Quality Mall. The air conditioned mall is packed with restaurants, boutiques, and new & secondhand book stores.
3. Island City Mall
City Mall is the island’s newest and biggest shopping mall. The best products that you find here are summer apparels, gadgets and books. There’s an air conditioned food hall too, that attracts both families and youth alike.
Bohol Island has another prominent shopping space known as the Plaza Marcela which was established way back in 1997.
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6. Mactan Island
1. Alegre Guitar Factory
Philippines as a country is appreciated in the world for its musical skills. Alegre Guitar Factory is a recognised company selling excellent handcrafted acoustic guitars and ukuleles. The factory is open to the public, who can visit and see the instruments being made.
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm
2. Gaisano Capital Mactan
Gaisano Capital Mactan is the biggest mall in the Island, with three stories and huge parking space. There is a big supermarket in the basement with a food court just next to it. There are three cinemas on the third floor of the mall, for your entertainment.
3. Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan
Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan is owned by a national chain that hosts department stores in various parts of Philippines. Located in the heart of the island, this mall attracts a large number of tourists and residents.
Opening Hours: 9.30am – 9pm
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When To Visit & What To Shop In Philippines
Most people travel to Philippines between November and April During these months, the country is fully accessible including its islands and other remote areas. But temperatures rise during March and April. So, December to February is the best time if you want to shop in Philippines. Now you know where to shop in Philippines but do you know what to shop in Philippines? Here are the best of Philippines shopping items:
- Antiques
- Basketry
- Brass-ware
- Embroidery
- Jewelry
- Mats
- Woodcarving
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A great vacation is incomplete without a great shopping experience. And what better than holidaying in world’s one of the best shopping destinations itself? Follow this Philippines shopping guide and plan a trip to Philippines to test your bargaining skills and take home some exciting products and memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Philippines
What is famous for shopping in Philippines?
If you are wondering what is famous for shopping in Philippines, then you can shop for a lot of things like the Philippines pearls, bamboo products, silk products, abaca baskets, Barako coffee beans, and a lot more. The Greenbelt 4 and 5 at Ayala Centre and Bonifacio High Street houses many shopping malls and complexes.
What can I buy in the Philippines?
Here are some of the ultimate souvenirs in the Philippines: Sungka, slingshot, refrigerator magnets, toy jeepney, Philippine tea, I LOVE Philippines T-shirt, wine, and jewelry.
What can I buy in Manila?
You can buy some nice souvenirs in Manila like the Mini Jeepney which are like the yellow taxis in New York and the red British double-decker buses, jeepneys are synonymous with Filipino culture, Piña Cloth, Barako Coffee, Local Handicrafts, Wood Carvings, Pearls, and Local Delicacies.
What is famous in the Philippines?
The country is widely known to have very rich biodiversity as it is the main tourist attraction. Its beaches, heritage towns and monuments, mountains, rainforests, islands, and diving spots are among the country’s most popular destinations.
What is the best online shop in the Philippines?
Well there are quite a lot of top ten online websites in the Philippines that you can choose from Lazada Philippines, Zalora Philippines, OLX (formerly Sulit.com.ph), Shop This Easy, Ayos Dito, Widget City, Keekay.ph, Goods.ph.
What is Manila famous for?
Malate is the tourism center of Manila and is also popular for the Baywalk, the Remedios nightlife district. Manila Zoo is the oldest zoo and also the botanical garden in is also located in the district.
Is Philippines expensive?
If you think of it that way, traveling and stay in the Philippines is completely dependent on the travel style and wherever you go. Manila and Boracay are a little bit more expensive than the other parts of the Philippines and once you are out of the tourist spots, then it is relatively easy to work on a budget of just 35 dollars per day.
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A writer at TravelTriangle, Elin, enjoys putting her travel experiences into words. She is a lover of cats and coffee and believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.
