Skycity

Skycity Metro Manila Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Skycity Mandaluyong, envisioned as one of Metro Manila’s tallest and most iconic skyscrapers, stands as a testament to the city’s ambitions and the complexities of urban development in the Philippines. Conceived in the early 2000s as an 80-story mixed-use tower, it was designed to reshape Mandaluyong’s skyline by integrating residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces in a vertical city environment. However, legal disputes, community opposition, and urban planning challenges have left the project unfinished and inaccessible as of June 2025. This guide provides a detailed overview of Skycity’s history, development challenges, current status, and practical information for visitors interested in Mandaluyong and its surrounding attractions.

Introduction
History of Skycity Mandaluyong
- Urban Growth and Mandaluyong’s Rise
- The Vision and Planning of Skycity
Development Challenges
- Legal and Community Obstacles
- Ownership Changes and Ongoing Delays
Broader Urban Issues in Metro Manila
- Density, Infrastructure, and Environmental Risks
- Governance and Community Engagement
Current Status: Accessibility and Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do in Mandaluyong
Practical Tips for Visitors
Accessibility Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
References

History of Skycity Mandaluyong

Urban Growth and Mandaluyong’s Rise

Metro Manila has experienced extraordinary growth since the mid-20th century, transforming from small towns into a major metropolis and business hub (mandaluyong.gov.ph). Mandaluyong’s strategic location between Manila and Quezon City fostered its development into a vital residential, commercial, and financial center. By 2015, Metro Manila’s population had soared to nearly 13 million, intensifying demand for high-density, mixed-use projects to maximize urban land (pmac2021.com).

The Vision and Planning of Skycity

Skycity was conceptualized as an 80-story, 335-meter (1,099 feet) skyscraper that would become the tallest building in the Philippines (en-academic.com; wikiwand.com). Developed by E. Ganzon Inc. (EGI) and Sam Buena Realty Corporation, the project aimed to integrate hotel, office, and residential spaces, offering a self-contained vertical community to address Metro Manila’s housing and business needs.

Development Challenges

Legal and Community Obstacles

Despite its innovative vision, Skycity encountered significant resistance. The Greenhills East Village homeowners’ association filed lawsuits, expressing concerns over increased traffic, privacy invasion, and alterations to the neighborhood’s character (en-academic.com; wikiwand.com). Though the Court of Appeals and, later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the developers, ongoing legal wrangling and community pushback stalled progress.

Ownership Changes and Ongoing Delays

After prolonged inactivity, Ayala Land acquired the property in 2016, proposing a revised 77-story design (wikiwand.com). Nevertheless, as of June 2025, the site remains unfinished, marked only by a deep excavation pit—an emblem of the difficulties facing large-scale development in Metro Manila (ThePhilBizNews; Wikipedia).

Broader Urban Issues in Metro Manila

Density, Infrastructure, and Environmental Risks

Metro Manila’s population density (over 21,000 persons/km²) puts immense strain on infrastructure, roads, utilities, and public services (pmac2021.com). The region is also highly susceptible to natural disasters, averaging 20 typhoons annually. These challenges necessitate rigorous building codes, sustainable design, and disaster resilience in any major construction.

Governance and Community Engagement

With 17 local government units, Metro Manila’s fragmented governance complicates urban planning and project execution. Skycity’s stalled progress highlights the importance of transparent stakeholder engagement and balancing development with community interests (pmac2021.com).

Current Status: Accessibility and Visitor Information

Site Access, Visiting Hours, and Tickets

Skycity Mandaluyong is currently not open to the public. There are no visiting hours, ticketing, or guided tours available. The site is fenced off for safety, and visitors are strongly discouraged from attempting entry (ThePhilBizNews).

What Visitors Can See

The most prominent feature is the large excavation pit at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and EDSA, informally called “the big hole.” The site is visible from nearby streets, but photography opportunities are limited to exterior views.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do in Mandaluyong

While Skycity itself is inaccessible, Mandaluyong and its surrounding areas offer numerous attractions:

Ortigas Center: A major business district with shopping malls like SM Megamall and The Podium, dining, and entertainment options.
Greenhills Shopping Center: Famous for markets, electronics, and local eateries.
Shangri-La Plaza: Upscale mall with luxury boutiques and restaurants.
Mandaluyong City Museum: Preserves and showcases local history and culture.
San Felipe Neri Church: A historical landmark reflecting the city’s heritage.
Bonifacio Global City and Makati: Easily accessible for nightlife, museums, and parks (Guide to the Philippines).

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: November to April, during the dry season, is ideal to avoid typhoons and flooding (Discover the Philippines).
Transportation: Use MRT-3 (Ortigas or Shaw Boulevard stations) for convenient access. Ride-hailing apps like Grab, as well as jeepneys and buses, are widely available.
Safety: Mandaluyong is generally safe, but always use standard precautions in crowded areas.
Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels in Ortigas, Makati, and nearby neighborhoods.

Accessibility Information

While major malls and hotels in Mandaluyong provide accessible facilities, city infrastructure can still pose challenges for people with mobility impairments. It is advisable to plan ahead and coordinate with accommodations or tour operators for specific needs (Accessible Escapes).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can visitors enter Skycity Mandaluyong?
A: No, the site is unfinished and not open to the public.

Q: Are there visiting hours or tickets for Skycity?
A: No, there are no visiting hours or ticketing since the building is inaccessible.

Q: How do I get to the Skycity location?
A: The area is best reached by MRT-3 (Ortigas or Shaw Boulevard stations), taxi, or ride-hailing services.

Q: Are there guided tours of Skycity?
A: No tours are available for the tower itself, but Mandaluyong city tours can include nearby historical and commercial sites.

Q: Is the area accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: While nearby malls are accessible, city infrastructure may present challenges; advanced planning is recommended.

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

Skycity Mandaluyong remains a vivid symbol of both Metro Manila’s aspirations and the hurdles facing ambitious urban projects. Although the tower itself is currently inaccessible, the surrounding Mandaluyong district offers vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Ortigas Center, Greenhills, and nearby historical landmarks while monitoring Skycity’s progress through official channels.

Recommendations:

Stay Informed: Follow Ayala Land and local government updates for any changes in Skycity’s status.
Explore the Area: Take advantage of Mandaluyong’s central location to visit top malls, museums, and commercial districts.
Use Public Transit: The MRT-3 and other transport options provide convenient access to attractions throughout Metro Manila.

For the latest news, download the Audiala app and follow our social media channels for updates, exclusive guides, and event announcements.

References

For more travel guides and real-time city updates, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media for the latest on Skycity Mandaluyong and Metro Manila’s top destinations.