SM Mall of Asia: A Premier Destination in Bay City
Located in the heart of Bay City, Pasay, SM Mall of Asia (commonly known as SM MoA or simply MoA) stands as a monumental landmark in the Philippines. Situated within the SM Central Business Park on reclaimed land along Manila Bay, this massive complex represents a pinnacle of retail, entertainment, and commercial development. Since its opening on May 21, 2006, it has grown into the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the sixth-largest in the world.
Developed and managed by SM Prime, the mall occupies 16 hectares of land. It is a sprawling ecosystem that integrates shopping, dining, office spaces, residential condominiums, and world-class event venues, making it a central hub for both locals and international tourists.
Key Facts
- Location: Seaside Boulevard, Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila.
- Scale: Approximately 589,891 m² of gross floor area.
- Retail Capacity: 663 shops, including 217 dining establishments.
- Major Tenant: Home to the world's largest IKEA (65,000 m²).
- Parking: 8,000 available slots.
- Key Landmark: The SM Mall of Asia Arena, seating up to 20,000 people.
A Massive Retail and Dining Experience
The mall's retail landscape is vast, featuring 16 anchor tenants and hundreds of specialized shops. One of the most significant additions to the complex is IKEA Pasay City. Located within MOA Square, this branch is the largest IKEA store in the world, surpassing even the Gwangmyeong branch in South Korea. It opened on November 25, 2021, after delays caused by the global pandemic.
For food enthusiasts, the MoA Food Hall offers a diverse array of culinary options. The mall's dining scene is extensive, with over 200 establishments catering to various tastes and budgets.
Entertainment and Leisure Features
Beyond shopping, SM MoA is a hub for recreation. The SM Game Park, located in the South Entertainment Mall, is a massive 1,947-square-meter facility that opened in November 2023. It offers a variety of activities including bowling, billiards, archery, KTV, and a sports bar.
Ice skating remains a beloved tradition at the mall. The current Olympic-sized ice skating rink is located on the third level of the main building. It covers 1,800 square meters and can accommodate up to 300 people, including spectators.
Cinema lovers can enjoy various viewing experiences, from standard theaters to the IMAX experience. Recent expansions have introduced the ScreenX cinema, a 270-degree panoramic auditorium that opened in November 2025.
Major Venues and Events
The complex is home to the SM Mall of Asia Arena, an indoor venue with a seating capacity of 16,000 and a full house capacity of 20,000. It serves as a primary venue for major sporting events like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and various international concerts.
The Concert Grounds provide an outdoor space for massive gatherings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this area was utilized for a drive-in cinema, making it the second such facility in the country. The grounds also host the annual Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.
Mixed-Use Development and Infrastructure
The SM Mall of Asia complex is more than just a mall; it is a highly integrated urban center. It includes several high-rise office buildings, such as the E-com Center complex, and luxury hotels like Conrad Manila and Microtel by Wyndham.
Residential living is also a key component, with developments like SMDC Sea Residences providing housing options within walking distance of the retail core. The area is well-connected via public transit, including various bus routes and the MetroStar Ferry Terminal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | SM Prime |
| Total Floor Area | ~589,891 m² |
| Number of Shops | 663 |
| Dining Outlets | 217 |
| Parking Capacity | 8,000 slots |
| Major Arena Capacity | 20,000 (Full House) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest store in SM Mall of Asia?
The largest tenant is IKEA Pasay City, which occupies 65,000 m² of floor space within MOA Square. It is currently the largest IKEA store in the world.
Where is the ice skating rink located?
The current Olympic-sized ice skating rink is located on the 3rd level of the mall's main building.
How many parking slots are available at the mall?
The mall provides approximately 8,000 parking slots for its visitors.
Is there an arena for concerts and sports in the complex?
Yes, the SM Mall of Asia Arena is an indoor venue located within the complex that can hold up to 20,000 people for full-capacity events.
What makes the MOA Sky unique?
The MOA Sky is a recent expansion feature introduced as part of the mall's ongoing redevelopment to offer new world-class experiences.