The Venice Grand Canal Mall in Manila
Hi guys, today let’s talk about my first solo travel experience to The Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Manila. Traveling completely alone to a new country that you’ve never been to before is so different from just taking a flight by yourself to meet up with friends or family when you land. When you travel solo, you have complete freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want and no one can say anything about it. No compromises are necessary. This is why I fell in love with solo travel. I know the idea was scary but exciting at the same time and I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable of ignoring that fear and doing something I wanted.
I took Air Asia instead of other airlines because they have direct from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I have a feeling that I will be pretty hungry for a 5-hour flight and want to grab some lunch on my way. So I decided to eat at Two Tigers. Two Tigers is located inside the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. I ordered California rolls, too little food, very expensive, not worth the money.
After I had arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I took grab to Red Planet Manila Makati. It is super convenient to use Grabcar app to go anywhere so remember to download the application before you touch down the Philippines.
I Stayed at this hotel for 3 nights and enjoyed every day. Staff was courteous friendly with service good. This is a small hotel with very simple rooms. The rooms are spacious and very clean. Once I have checked in to Red Planet Hotels, I went to Jollibee, in Makati for dinner.
Jollibee is a popular and the largest fast food chain in the Philippines. Service is friendly and fast. Finally, I get to taste the famous Jolibee! The fried chicken is so good, not greasy, not too bready. It has a light crispy outside and it's tasty with reasonable price.
On the next day, I wake up early in the morning to have breakfast in the hotel.
As soon as I finish to eat, I headed straight to the Venice Grand Canal Mall. I took a grabcar from where I am staying, to Venice Piazza because my friend recommended it to me. Venice Grand Canal, popularly known as Venice Piazza, is a shopping mall located at McKinley Hill Garden Villas in Taguig City in Metro Manila in the Philippines. Among all the famous mall in Manila, Venice Grand Canal is one of the most popular malls and a must-visit place. The Grand Canal Mall’s Venice Grand Canal is fast becoming a tourist hotspot in Taguig City. If you haven't been here before, then you haven't been to Manila!
Once I arrived at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, I feel amazed by their exterior and structure. Not only outside view but even the indoor interior also very details and beautiful. The place offers scenic where you feel like you are in Italy. I came here because I'm really curious about the place and my husband and my friend are always talking about it.
For once in my life, I feel that it is not in the Philippines. Being in Venice Grand Canal Mall makes you think you are in Italy. Although I haven't visited Italy yet I think I'm in Italy now!
There are lots of stores to choose from before or after the gondola ride. They also have a variety of restaurants to choose from based on your preference and there is a cinema inside malls also.
The whole place including the condominiums surrounding the mall had been designed to look like the city of Venice.
This mall is a fun place to visit. There is no entrance fee to see and enjoy the beautiful Venice Grand Canal. You should totally drop by this mall while you're in Manila!
People go there to take photos mostly, including me! Haha. If you are looking for a nice place to take pictures you may go here. Really look like a replica of Venice. I guess if you guys really to take some great photos, maybe you need about 3 hours for the photo session. I'm not kidding. This place really spacious!
The small river and small boat ride give a special feeling like being in Venice.
YAY! I finally got to see the gondola! You can take a short ride on a gondola for Php 300/ person, Php 350/person on weekends and Public holidays, whilst Php 400/ person for something (I don't really remember). Actually, the best time is in the evening because the lighting makes it look nice.
The gondolier speaks Italian and sings an Italian opera song during the excursion. I'm so glad to witness these with my own eyes. You can't find these in Indonesia for sure.
I was super shy to ask somebody to take my picture with it in the background so I just took some selfies.
I have walked around the food court twice, still not sure what I want to eat and finally, I decide on Elements by Zuppa, I order an Asian Grilled Pork Belly with Laksa Rice. I find a table and quickly get to eating. Unfortunately bad food, food was served cold and not tasty. VERY DISAPPOINTING!
After a disappointing meal at Elements by Zuppa, I ventured out in search of a nice cake experience. I'd passed by Mary Grace in Venice Grand Canal and had an impromptu thought of trying out their cakes. They have a wide selection of desserts, featuring cakes, pies, little desserts all to make you very happy.
Nice cafe with the atmosphere and the environment is great. Walking into Mary Grace is like walking into a mid-19th-century cottage. The additions on the wall and the trinkets that surround you give this place more of a homely feel than a restaurant one. My visit was a good experience and I recommend this place.
Looks so yummy right? It was my first time to try the cheesecake and I really liked it. Tangy, not overly sour. It might be a little pricey but it was a good meal and I enjoyed it very much.
Their peach iced tea is absolutely delicious.
Website of Mary Grace:
Address:
Ground Level, The Venice Piazza McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Frankly, I don't wanna leave Venice Grand Canal although I already spend 4 hours here. Thought of visiting Venice Grand Canal again but I feel wanna visit new place instead of just repeating the same place that I visited before.
Overall, I had a great time visiting the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig. I really miss the moment in Manila! Manila is perfect for an introvert Indonesian girl on her virgin solo trip. The backpacking culture is prevalent enough for even the most introvert girl to have enough opportunities to make friends. It was that trip that helped inspire me to travel more.
That's it for today! I can't wait to explore other country and share with you all. Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom if you have any inquiry. I will try my best to reply you as soon as possible!
Website of Venice Grand Canal:
Address:
McKinley Hill Garden Villas, Cluster B, Upper McKinley Rd, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines.
1 Comments
Great post dear!Photos are amazing !
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, I appreciate it! Your support means everything to me and I will try and reply as soon as possible!