Ciao, fellow adventurers! Buckle up your seatbelts, or should I say, lace up your gondolier shoes because we’re about to embark on a journey that’ll whisk us away to the charming canals of Italy, right here in the heart of Taguig City. Yes, you heard me right! Get ready to experience the magic of the Gondola Ride at the Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill.

Brief History

Picture this: it’s 2015, and developers in McKinley Hill, Taguig, are dreaming big. They want to bring a slice of Venice’s romance and allure to the bustling streets of Metro Manila. And guess what? They totally nailed it! Thus, the Venice Grand Canal Mall was born, a homage to the iconic waterways of Venice, Italy. With its pastel-colored buildings, arched bridges, and, of course, winding canals, this place screams Venetian vibes like no other.

Now, let’s talk gondolas. These sleek black boats aren’t just for show; they’re the real deal, imported straight from Italy. Manned by expert gondoliers, these vessels are here to give you the authentic Venetian experience without the jet lag.

How Much is the Gondola Ride?

• If you’re sharing a boat with others, it’s 500 PHP per person. And hey, the gondola can accommodate up to 6 people, so you can bring along your buddies for the ride!
• If you’re feeling fancy and want the whole boat to yourself, a private non-shared ride will set you back 2000 PHP.

How To Get To Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City

1. By Car/Taxi/Grab:

For those opting for convenience and privacy, traveling by car, taxi, or Grab is a straightforward option. Simply input “Venice Grand Canal Mall” into your preferred navigation app, and you’ll be guided to the mall’s location in McKinley Hill. The mall is easily accessible via major roads such as C5 and McKinley Road. Keep in mind that traffic conditions in Metro Manila can vary, so plan your journey accordingly.

2. By Public Transportation:

• From Ayala MRT Station: If you’re coming from the metro’s train system, head to Ayala MRT Station. From there, you can take a bus or a UV Express bound for Market! Market! in Taguig. Alight at Market! Market! and take another UV Express or jeepney going to McKinley Hill.
• From Guadalupe MRT Station: Another option is to take the MRT and get off at Guadalupe Station. From there, ride a jeepney bound for Gate 3 Plaza, Fort Bonifacio. Once at Gate 3 Plaza, transfer to a jeepney or UV Express going to McKinley Hill.
• From Market! Market!: If you find yourself at Market! Market!, you can directly take a jeepney or UV Express bound for McKinley Hill.

3. By Bus:

Several buses ply routes to and from Taguig City. Look for buses with routes passing through Market! Market! or The Fort. Once at these locations, you can follow the same instructions as mentioned above for getting to McKinley Hill.

4. By BGC Bus:

If you’re already within Bonifacio Global City (BGC), you can hop on the BGC Bus West Route. This route includes stops at various points within BGC, including McKinley Hill.

• BGC Bus schedule for West Route: Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• BGC Bus fare: 13 PHP

5. By Shuttle Service:

Some hotels and establishments offer shuttle services to McKinley Hill. If you’re staying at a hotel in the vicinity, inquire about shuttle options for getting to the Venice Grand Canal Mall.

Things To Know Before You Go

• The rides are available daily from 11 am to 10 pm, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience the magic. Just a heads up though, if you’re pregnant or have mobility issues, this ride might not be the best option for you.
• Weather can be unpredictable, so keep in mind that the ride could be canceled due to bad weather. The canal section of the mall is open-air, so safety comes first!
• Pro tip: To avoid long queues, try to arrive early or visit on weekdays. On weekends, the wait times can stretch up to an hour.
• Oh, and here’s a little bonus for you: When you hop on board the gondola, they’ll snap a photo of you. And the best part? You get to take that photo home for free at the end of your ride.

My Experience

Okay, confession time – I’m a sucker for anything that promises a hint of romance and adventure. So, naturally, when I heard about the Gondola Ride at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, I was all in. I rallied up a couple of friends, and off we went, ready to channel our inner Venetian spirits.

As we approached the mall, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning façade. The pastel hues, the intricate details – it was like stepping into a postcard. We made our way to the gondola dock, where our trusty gondolier greeted us with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. After a quick safety briefing (safety first, folks!), we hopped into our sleek black gondola and off we went.

The moment we set sail, it was like all my worries melted away. The gentle lull of the water, the soft breeze on my face – it was pure bliss. As we glided through the canal, I couldn’t help but soak in the sights and sounds around me. The quaint cafes, the charming boutiques – it was like being transported to another world.

Our gondolier, bless his heart, treated us to a few classic Italian tunes – talk about setting the mood! And let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about seeing the mall from a different perspective. The towering buildings, the lush greenery – it was like seeing an old friend in a new light.

All too soon, our gondola ride came to an end. As we disembarked, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. But hey, all good things must come to an end, right? Plus, the memories we made – those will last a lifetime.

So, there you have it – my unforgettable experience aboard the Gondola Ride at the Venice Grand Canal Mall. If you’re ever in Taguig City and craving a taste of Venice, do yourself a favor and hop on board. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

And with that, dear adventurers, I bid you adieu. Until next time, happy travels!