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Fort Bonifacio – BGC

The guide to Bonifacio Global City - BGC

Bonifacio High Street - What to do, where to stay, and transportation options.

What was once a vast, vacant expanse of overgrown grass in every corner has now become a town that has set new standards for every other town in the Philippines. The creation of this development arose from the need for a place that could accommodate vital businesses and offer the highest level of residential homes and apartments.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has effectively transformed the way people perceive and relate to the metropolitan area of Manila. It has turned the bustling metropolis into a trendy and fashionable center that provides everything one might need or desire.

Bonifacio High Street has become synonymous with BGC, a place where you can find practically everything, from a wide selection of entertainment options to the most luxurious residential homes. The goal of this guide is to assist both locals and foreign residents (as well as tourists) in navigating their way in a style and quality of life that only successful individuals can afford. Those who have been to Bonifacio Global City can confirm that you can work and live in this town, and you will never have to leave it for any reason. Think of it as Manhattan, without the nerve-wracking taxi drivers and neurotic people surrounding you.

Where to stay

When planning a vacation or business trip to this area in the Philippines, the first thing to arrange is accommodation. In the list below, you can find the most highly regarded hotels on Bonifacio High Street and within the shortest distance of Bonifacio Global City.

Please note: Some of these hotels also have restaurants, but only the restaurants that have received excellent reviews from guests/diners (4 stars and above) are listed in the current list.

F1 Hotel

Located on 32nd Street, this modern hotel is a popular choice among young managers, business people, as well as expatriates. While the hotel offers only three room categories, all rooms are designed to provide guests with the highest level of comfort one can expect from such trendy hotels. F1 Hotel offers Deluxe rooms, City Suites, and Fort Suites. Room prices range from 10,000 pesos, 11,200 pesos, to 13,600 pesos, respectively (of course, our prices are much lower). Among the key features and services that F1 Hotel offers, you can find:

  • Concierge services
  • A spa and wellness center
  • Lounge access

Customer feedback is mostly positive, especially considering the fact that the hotel has 3 swimming pools.

Seda Hotel

Strategically located on 30th Street, at the corner of 11th Avenue, Seda Hotel offers Deluxe rooms, Club rooms, and Suites. The Deluxe rooms are perfect for solo travelers and couples looking for a cozy and warm space. A Deluxe room, sized at 30 sqm, is spacious enough for two people and even a small child, making it suitable for couples traveling with a baby or a young child.

For larger groups (families, groups of friends), the Suites are highly recommended as they provide more extensive living and entertainment space.

The Club rooms are the best in terms of space and comfort. This room category is designed for business travelers and families with specific needs. The Executive Club Lounge, one of the many perks for Club room guests, offers highly personalized service by the hotel staff. Additionally, the lounge serves as a dining area for breakfast and cocktails, providing light refreshments throughout the day.

Room rates at Seda Hotel range from 8,000 to 13,000 pesos per night (including VAT and taxes) (of course, our prices are much lower).

Shangri La at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City exudes class and comfort in every aspect, and those words can aptly describe the hotel. It is the newest addition to this renowned hotel chain in the metropolis of Manila, alongside Shangri-La at the Fort and Edsa Shangri-La. For individuals with unique tastes and a reasonably flexible budget, this is the ideal hotel.

Guests can choose between Deluxe Suites and Deluxe Rooms with views of High Street. The Deluxe rooms are situated on higher floors and offer almost unobstructed views, overlooking Bonifacio High Street and its surrounding buildings. The price for a stay at the hotel starts at 10,000 pesos per night and goes up to 18,500 pesos per night (of course, our prices are much lower).

Among the convenient amenities offered in the rooms, you can find a spacious bathtub (large enough for 2 people, with plenty of room to spare), a separate shower, and plush bathrobes and towels.

Avant Serviced Suites

Serviced apartments are in high demand in the metropolis of Manila today, especially for travelers planning to stay in the city for several days or up to a week. Those looking for a home away from home should consider accommodations like Avant Serviced Suites. You can choose between a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment. A one-bedroom apartment can accommodate 2 adults and a child, while a two-bedroom suite can accommodate up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 2 children).

Prices start at 9,500 pesos, but when booking online, you can save a significant amount (sometimes up to 50% off the room rate, depending on the time of year). (We do not currently work with them, but we have received recommendations.)

Max Pavillion @ Venice Residences, McKinley Hill, and Fort Victoria

These are considered residential homes for foreigners, apartment buildings that offer several accommodation options to suit each customer’s needs. Each of the accommodations includes the following features and amenities:

Free WIFI access, Laundry services (complimentary), In-room breakfast, Welcome drink, Express check-in and check-out, Maid services, Wake-up call, Safe.

(The listed services are subject to change – it’s essential to check before arrival).

 

Limited photos and videos (Hotel description below):

Budget-friendly hotels:

The Fort Budget Hotel

The hotel’s name is “Om Rakhal.” It is a hotel suitable for those with a limited budget but still aspire to have a great experience in Bonifacio Global City. Room rates at this hotel start at 2,000 pesos for a double room and 4,000 pesos for a family room. You can also find dormitory rooms where you only pay for the bed, not exceeding 400 pesos per person per night. While the level of comfort is high, there is still room for improvement in terms of room facilities. As long as you are aware of this, you will get full value for your money and still be within walking distance of everything Bonifacio Global City has to offer. Within just a 5-minute walk, you can find some of the best restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers in The Fort.

Places for extended stays (a week or more):

For those who come to the Philippines and stay in the country for more than a week, it means that the hotel bill can be quite high. These days, luxury apartments are becoming a new trend for extended stays because they are as comfortable as hotels without the high cost associated with them.

Luxe Residences is a sought-after and highly popular apartment complex, offering luxurious and upscale accommodation units, comparable to some of the luxury hotels in the area. The range of apartments in the complex varies from one-bedroom units to three-bedroom ones. All units can be rented for a minimum period of one week up to a year or more. Rental prices start at 32,000 pesos per week for a one-bedroom apartment and go up to 139,000 pesos per week for a three-bedroom apartment.

The complex is located at the corner of Street 28 and Fourth Avenue. In addition to its prime location, Luxe Residences also provides a wide range of amenities similar to those found in hotels, including concierge service, a well-equipped fitness center, and a pristine swimming pool.

 

Permanent / Semi-permanent resident

Many tourists who come to the Philippines and stay in Manila for an extended period often fall in love with the idea of living in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and decide to buy or rent a property. Many opt for apartments as they are convenient and significantly cheaper than purchasing a larger property. Some of the most sought-after properties in BGC include Serendra, McKinley Hill, Fifth Avenue, and Bellagio. Rental fees typically start at around 35,000 pesos for an unfurnished studio apartment and can go up to 350,000 pesos per month for a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment.

Regarding the sale prices of apartments, you can find one-bedroom units priced at around 4 to 5 million pesos, depending on the building. Some penthouse units that were recently sold in the area went for 100 million pesos or more. While this may seem high, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who prefer the best residential units, maximum privacy, and breathtaking city views.

The good news is that there is a wide variety of apartment and shared housing options available in Bonifacio Global City. If you spend time in one of the malls in the area, you’ll likely come across brochures with details about properties for sale in the vicinity.

Tip: If you’re considering renting or buying an apartment, make sure to compare unit sizes and floor levels in relation to the price. Depending on the type of apartment you choose, the average size for a one-bedroom apartment is 18 square meters, or a studio with at least a breathtaking view at 24 square meters. There’s no shortage of properties in the area or anywhere else in Manila, so take your time and don’t rush when selecting a property to purchase.

 

 

Gourmet delicacies

Whether you are looking to satisfy your cravings or trying to consciously eat healthier, Bonifacio Global City offers a wide range of high-quality restaurants and boutique eateries. Here are some of the most interesting and best places to dine, especially in High Street and in The Fort in general.

Chinese, Japanese, Oriental cuisine

High Street Café – On the second floor of Shangri-La Hotel at The Fort, you can find some of the best Chinese and Japanese restaurants in Manila. This restaurant offers almost everything, from coffee to cocktails, dim sum to sushi. You can enjoy an ultimate Asian culinary experience that not only satisfies but also enriches. In addition to the Oriental dishes, the place also offers exciting and challenging Mediterranean seafood dishes to delight the diners.

The presentation style is a buffet so diners can sample different flavors from around the world in a short time. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, but most diners prefer the rich dinner buffet with its wide selection of dishes.

This is the perfect choice for families or large groups of friends or colleagues.

Recommendation: To fully enjoy the buffet (or any buffet), it’s advisable not to fill your plate with just one dish. There’s a wide variety of flavors to try, and there may be some you don’t want to miss. The trick is to sample from each dish and make a round of all the offerings before deciding. It also doesn’t hurt to skip a meal before to have enough room to try everything.

The breakfast buffet is served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (10:30 AM on weekends). The dinner buffet starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 10:30 PM during the week and on weekends.

Please note: High Street Café serves alcohol, not just beer and wine. There’s a full-service bar, and it’s worth noting that the prices are higher than the average cocktail prices in bars due to the high-quality selection. If you don’t feel like having a heavy meal, you can enjoy a variety of beverages offered at the bar and maybe make some new friends along the way.

Prices: Lunch and dinner buffets for two people range from 2,500 to 4,200 pesos. It’s relatively not too expensive considering the great value you get. In any case, it’s an excellent meal.

Lugang Café

This place is considered a culinary institution ever since it opened in Manila many years ago. The Xiao Long Bao dish attracts loyal and faithful diners, both veterans and newcomers who want to enjoy the excellent Chinese cuisine the restaurant has to offer.

The grilled meats are also considered a big hit, especially for families who prefer dishes they can share among themselves.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is very relaxed and homey, but you can immediately tell that the kitchen staff and the chef know what they’re doing, as the meals are excellent and served promptly.

For 1500 pesos for 2 diners, you’ll get good food at a good price.

SM AURA PREMIER

Skypark, Level 5, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner Mckinley Parkway, Taguig City

Coca Restaurant

Coca Restaurant is like a hub for two large Asian kitchens – Chinese and Thai.

If you love seafood and don’t mind spending 3000-4000 pesos for two diners, then this is the place for you. Crabs and shrimps are the standout dishes of the restaurant, offering the freshest seafood served in innovative and generous portions.

The Khao Tom dish and the signature Hot Pot Suki dish are must-tries if you want comforting food. Additionally, the shrimp dish with garlic and chili is highly recommended.

Crystal Jade Dining

An authentic Cantonese meal like no other. This restaurant offers exceptional flavors, with the Xiao Long Bao dish standing out for its exceptional taste. The crispy shrimp with salted egg yolk is a must-try dish, especially if you are dining here for the first time. The selection of grilled meats in Marinade is also highly recommended, although these dishes are relatively expensive.

Prices: 2000-2500 pesos for two diners.

Saboten

This is another restaurant that has seen great success since its opening and continues to serve excellent authentic Japanese dishes. The Katsu Loin pork dish is the flagship dish of the restaurant and is one that will immediately turn you into a fan of Japanese cuisine. The simmered dishes are also a must-try, especially for those who enjoy slow-cooked dishes that come out tender and flavorful.

The selection of shrimp and crab dishes is also excellent, although the meat dishes are equally outstanding. The restaurant also offers authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is among the finest choices available.

Prices: 1800-2000 pesos on average for two diners, but the value for the money is excellent, and you will likely leave satisfied.

Ramen Nagi

Located on the fifth floor of SM Aura Mall in Bonifacio Global City, this is a Japanese restaurant that primarily serves some of the largest and most generous ramen dishes in The Fort and perhaps all of Manila. However, this doesn’t mean the restaurant only serves ramen dishes, as other dishes like gyoza and Karaage chicken are also amazing. The portions are large, especially the ramen, making it easy to order a small number of dishes and share them between two or three diners. It offers great value for money. The restaurant’s appearance and design are also very pleasing. You can encounter Manila’s entertainment business elites dining here.

Prices: 1500-1800 pesos for two diners, and it’s definitely worth it for what you get.

Yabu

When it comes to a daily Japanese culinary experience, Yabu restaurant is at the top of the list for discerning diners. It exudes comfort but without a doubt at the highest level. This restaurant is also located on the fifth floor of SM Aura Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

In the menu, you’ll find dishes that you don’t typically see, such as the Katsu burgers.

Prices: 1300-1500 pesos for two diners.

P.H.A.T Pho

PHAT Pho is a Vietnamese kitchen, although it’s not as popular in the Philippines as Chinese and Japanese cuisine, it has a dedicated following. PHAT Pho offers more than just a twist in its name; it serves authentic and delicious Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices. For only 1000 pesos, two diners can enjoy a great meal that includes a variety of vegetarian-friendly salads and main dishes, as well as generous sandwiches like the popular Bahn Mi. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Serendra building in Bonifacio Global City.

Price: 800-1000 pesos for two diners.

Tamarind – Taste of Thai

If you’re looking for exciting and flavorful dishes with every bite, Thai cuisine is an excellent choice. Tamrin Thai is one of the many restaurants in SM Aura, but it offers a unique culinary experience. The restaurant serves all the traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Satay. Additionally, you can also try their soups and meat dishes, which are considered gastronomic delights by any standard.

Prices: 1200-1500 pesos for two people.

 

Italian Cuisine

Va Bene: Va Bene Pasta Dei and Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza are two excellent restaurants located in the Bonifacio Global City area. They are situated in Cinema Square and Serendra buildings, respectively, and each offers generous portions of delicious food that not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide excellent value for the price.

Prices: Approximately 1000-1500 Philippine Pesos for two diners.

Desserts / Final Dishes

Cold Stone Creamery: More than just an ordinary ice cream shop. A visit to this store is like a trip down memory lane, where you’re taken back to simpler and sweeter times from your childhood when things were just simple and sweet. It’s the kind of experience you’ll want to give to yourselves and your children. Cold Stone Creamery offers innovative and special homemade ice cream. You can find classic flavors like Chocolate Chip and Mint, Caramel, and Vanilla, as well as unique flavors, each more special and delightful than the last.

Prices: 750-900 pesos for two diners.

Sonia's Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a traditional treat that everyone loves. They certainly bring out the child in you and provide you with a special delight, even if only temporarily. When you visit Bonifacio Global City, Sonia’s Cupcakes are a must. The variety of flavors offered ranges from classic to eclectic, and in any case, you are guaranteed an exciting taste experience. In the place, you can also taste the Cuparoons, a perfect combination of macarons and cupcakes. The options are diverse, depending on your personal taste and your willingness to indulge in sugar.

Prices: 90-135 pesos per cupcake.

Of course, there are many more excellent restaurants and cafes on High Street and in BGC in general… One more last recommendation:

Café Luna

An intimate and pleasant cafe/restaurant, tucked away on the side of an office building, serving excellent dishes with excellent coffee and a high-quality selection of coffee-based beverages. A large and interesting variety of drinks and a friendly, pleasant staff. Highly recommended…

 

Acoustic live performances from time to time.

 

Shopping and other activities in Bonifacio Global City and High Street.

Bonifacio High Street Shopping Center

It’s enough if you are in the mall area only, you can find all the best brands, including accompanying accessories, gadgets, pet products, jewelry, and home furniture. Here are some of the popular brands you can find and purchase:

Lacoste

Old Navy

Guess

Fubu

Banana Republic

Calvin Klein

Gap

Kate Spade

Marks & Spencer

Michael Kors

Chanel

American Eagle Outfitter

Crocs

Nike

Ecco

French Sole

Furla

Mango Touch

Rolex

The Face Shop

Tudor

Runnr

Lush

Oakley

Spex

Brooks Brothers

Tommy Hilfiger

Beauty and grooming

While you’re doing your shopping on High Street, you might find that you need a bit of pampering. In that case, we recommend visiting The Spa, where you can enjoy a selection of treatments that will help you relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. You can also opt for one of the quick treatments like a facial or hair treatment, or spend the whole day at the spa indulging yourself as needed.

 

Entertainment (Cinema)

The cinemas at Bonifacio High Street are among the most popular, not only among the residents of Bonifacio Global City but also among those living in the surrounding neighborhoods and settlements. In total, there are four BHS cinemas, all of which showcase the latest films released in Hollywood and the Philippines. Each of the four cinemas offers excellent seating and state-of-the-art digital sound systems with the most advanced technology.

 

The Mind Museum

Oh, the Museum of Science, the first and most up-to-date interactive science museum in the country! It serves as a significant media center not only in the Philippines but also beyond its borders. In the museum, you’ll find five main galleries and over 250 exhibits with highly educational and interactive elements. Due to its widespread popularity, the museum attracts attention and support not only from the Philippines but also from around the world.

Among the attractions at the museum, you can explore the Atom Gallery, Earth Gallery, and two outdoor areas called Science in the Park and JY Campos Park. Both children and adults can enjoy all the exhibits in the museum, which document all elements related to life and the planet Earth, as well as how people and other living creatures are created and sustained.

Here’s what awaits you there:

Flying Trapeze Philippines

If you’ve ever been to a circus performance in the past, then you have some idea of what to expect from this type of activity. The flying trapeze is not just a show; it’s an interactive experience for those seeking a bit of adrenaline and don’t have the time to climb high peaks or acquire the skills needed to parachute from a helicopter. It’s an experience worth sharing with friends or family, even if there’s a chance that one or two members of the group will end up with their pants in a twist (still worth it, by the way). It’s also an excellent workout since you burn hundreds of calories while you’re suspended in the air, and your heart pounds in your chest.

This is something you must not missed!

Kidzania

For parents who want to teach their children important life lessons in an enjoyable way for the whole family, KidZania is the perfect choice. It’s an interactive educational environment that allows kids to experience firsthand how specific jobs are done. They can play as doctors, and others can try to be drivers, firefighters, or police officers. Not only can you have fun here for hours, but you can also provide children with a realistic image of what it feels like to be grown-up and take on responsibilities like caring for a sick person or serving a customer in a court setting. Children aged 4 to 12 are in for a unique experience, and so are their parents.

 

For book lovers

You can find Power Books and Fully Booked, stores where book lovers can visit and purchase books, magazines, and other reading materials for their enjoyment. There are also boutique coffee shops that double as book exchanges and bookstores in the vicinity of The Fort area. So, it’s a good idea to be attentive and look around because these places may not be marked on a map, and to discover these places, you may need to explore a bit.

 

Parks and Walking Trails

One of the most attractive qualities of The Fort is its pedestrian-friendly environment. You can walk here for hours without worrying about getting in the way of passing cars or delivery vehicles. The sidewalks are designed specifically for pedestrians, so you can confidently stroll with your children even late at night. This means that there are strict speed limits for vehicles in the area, and those who exceed these limits are subject to penalties and fines.

The Fort was initially established to address congestion, but over the years, it has evolved into a kind of hub where people from different walks of life come to shop, eat, and simply enjoy life in a peaceful and enjoyable place. It doesn’t matter what your status in life is or who you are. If you want to experience something beyond the hustle and bustle of city life, Bonifacio Global City is your refuge.

For the young at heart!

Nightlife in BGC – here’s a list of entertainment venues, clubs, and bars from the top tier in the area:

  1. Valkyrie
  2. The Palace, located at the corner of 9th Avenue and 36th Street

 

Revel
The Palace, Corner 9th Avenue and 36th Street

The Pool Club at the Palace
The Palace, Corner 9th Avenue and 36th Street

Prive – Under New Management

Privé Luxury Club, Unit C, The Fort Strip (Fort Entertainment Complex), The Fort, BGC, Taguig

Haze
The Fort Strip (Fort Entertainment Complex), BGC, Taguig

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