CityMall Boracay’s façade
Image: Writer’s photo
From being a secret paradise, Boracay has evolved into a tourist haven over the decades. You can find almost everything you need in the island--from hotels, restaurants, banks, and hospitals, to convenience stores, among others. With accessible transportation, too, traveling to the island is like a walk in the park.
Now that it has its own shopping mall, CityMall Boracay, islanders and tourists can have a real mall experience without leaving the island. Join us as we give you a tour of Boracay’s latest community mall.
About the mall
CityMall Boracay is tucked away in the island’s central district. Situated along Diniwid Beach Road and Boracay Tambisaan Jetty Port Road in Barangay Balabag, the mall is meant to serve the island community. This is the reason why it is dubbed as the community mall. The shopping mall has around 1.2 hectares of retail space for dining, shopping and hanging out.
It also houses various stores and shops that make for a full shopping experience. Here are the best things to do at CityMall Boracay!
1. Eat out
You can also go to CityMall if you want to dine in or take away some food.
Image: CityMall Philippines
Just like other CityMall branches in the country, you can also grab a bite at your favorite restaurant such as Jollibee, Chowking and Mang Inasal at the food court area. You can also get a brewed cup and more at Highlands Coffee. There are also several pop up stores inside the mall to get a choice of snacks and beverages. Several restaurants serving Italian, Japanese, Indian, and Filipino foods can also be found in an extension building facing the main building of the mall. Among them is the popular Boracay Kitchen, known for its budget-friendly Filipino rice meals and snacks.
2. Go shopping.
You can shop for a new dress or a new pair of shoes at CityMall.
Image: CityMall Philippines
Whether you are looking for a brand new item or trendy clothes, you can head to CityMall for an array of options. The mall houses apparel shops for denim, blouses, and dresses you can wear while exploring the island. There is also a lingerie shop in case you need one. Shops selling on-trend clothes and footwear can also be found in the mall.
3. Watch a movie.
You cannot anymore miss on the latest movie in theaters.
Image: Writer’s photo
Gone are the days when islanders have to travel for two or three hours just to catch the latest movie on the big screen. Yes, the mall has its own cinema, too! Not just one, but two cinemas equipped with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems are located at the second level of the mall. Each cinema can host up to 110 movie buffs per show. Before entering the cinema, you can also grab a bucket of popcorn and drinks which are available beside the ticket booth.
September 2020 Update: Cinemas are not yet allowed to operate due to quarantine measures in place.
4. Shop for essentials.
People flock to CityMall’s supermarket during its opening day.
Image: CityMall Philippines
A big portion of the ground floor is allocated for SM Savemore where you can buy groceries and other goods. Meat, dry goods, and even some apparel are also sold in the supermarket. There is also a liquor store where you can get your favorite booze. Just make sure to bring your own bag, too, when shopping since plastic is prohibited on the island. You can also shop for other appliances and home needs at Ace Hardware just outside of the supermarket.
Residents and tourists can easily buy their favorite cosmetics and needed medicine at Watsons Pharmacy at the mall, too. If you need an eye check-up, there is also an eye center inside. Several souvenir stalls selling merchandise, local food items, and even organic products can also be found at the mall. There’s also a bank, two ATM machines, and a courier service, in case you need one. If you have a kid tagging along, there is also a play area for them and a karaoke machine for you to try.
5. Participate in activities at the events place.
You can watch some shows while shopping at CityMall.
Image: Cliff Ozoa Bartolome
Aside from the cinema, there is also a conference area at the second level of the mall for gatherings. If you love dancing, you can also catch the regular Zumba at the mall held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Since its opening, the mall has become an everyday mall for both locals and tourists. It even continued operations during the whole six-months closure of the island. With all its amenities, CityMall is indeed a place you can go whether you need something to buy, to eat or just to kill time.
September 2020 Update: Leisure activities and gatherings might not yet be allowed in certain areas due to quarantine restrictions.
Check out our list of malls in Boracay and Iloilo or browse the Yoorekka Directory.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on October 10, 2018.
