SM Lanang: The Biggest Mall in Davao

Davao is considered the second largest city in the country and has been known as the fruit basket of the Philippines. About a week ago I flew to Davao for the launch of ParkInn hotel by Radisson, join the celebration of Earth Hour 2013 and had the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as the Crocodile park, shopping at Aldevinco and at the 1st premier mall in Mindanao, SM Lanang Premier.  

Strategically located in the northern part of Metro Davao, SM Lanang Premier is just 15 minutes away from the Davao International Airport, just 2.5 kilometers away; 4-6 kilometers from the domestic and international seaports. The mall has 1,700 parking slots, outdoor parking area and basement parking equipped with park finder. Parkfinders in the parking area serves as a guide finding available parking slots thus minimizing use of fuel.

SM Lanang Premier is also close to several hotels, tourist destinations and business areas. Proximal to neighboring cities and provinces such as Davao Del Norte, Tagum, Panabo, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Mati.

One of the notable and unique features of the newly built SM Lanang Premier is their beautiful Fountain Court where a 122-meter musical fountain is located. It’s one of a kind in Davao and Mindanao and considered the longest musical fountain in the country.

As early as 5pm of March 23, people arrived at SM Lanang’s Fountain Court for the celebration of  Earth Hour 2013.

Mall Tour inside SM Lanang Premier!

SM Lanang is a four-level structure that offers a different shopping and lifestyle experience. Allow me to mention them one-by-one. Take note, as a premier mall there’s no Food Court here!

Everyday, there’s a Waterworks Show, a water and light show that runs at the Fountain Court. It has become a favorite spot and attraction for mall goers especially families, lovers and group of friends. 

SM Lanang Fountain Court

While most families and their little ones are enjoying the awesome view at the Fountain Court, others would choose to stay at the mall’s Skygarden for alfresco dine. For those who haven’t been to Davao yet familiar with SM North EDSA, SM Lanang’s Skygarden is a small version of the latter. SM Lanang’s Skygarden offers casual dining restaurants with refreshing pockets of water features for a more laid-back ambience.

one of the most unique Starbucks' architecture I've seen

Another notable and unique feature at SM Lanang Premier which I like most is designed on top of a free-standing slab that offers a 360-degree view of the monumental atrium, the Flat Café featuring Starbucks coffee shop.  One would love to dine and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching mall events and activities held at the mall’s Atrium.

Moreover, below the flat café are other coffee shops like Krispy Kreme, ChaTime and French Baker. This time I chose not to dine at Starbucks Flatcafe  and try Blugre Durian Coffee which is located at the mall’s Skygarden. But I promise to myself that I would definitely drop by on my next visit; sit-down and relax while enjoying a hot cup of ChaiTea Latte.



SM Lanang as one of the five Premier malls in the country offers great entertainment for the whole family. IMAX Theatre is the 1st IMAX cinema in the region. In addition to that, the mall has 5 Digital Cinemas and a Centerstage, a theater set up for live performances and concerts.

For the gadget-savvy, SM Lanang offers an IT lifestyle center, the SM Cyberzone, the largest chain of IT retail stores in the Philippines offering a number of global consumer brands.

For conventions, conferences and exhibitions the SMX Convention Center has the largest convention and exhibition facility in Mindanao with its 4,745 meters fully carpeted function room space that can accommodate for as much as 4,000 persons. 

During our visit, there was an ongoing graduation ceremony held at one of their function rooms.

The Design!

Featuring a folded building design concept made up of intricate folds but form a simple yet elegant box-type building when put together, the traditional art of folding called Origami.  

Aside from its very distinctive design and style as evident on its ceilings at different areas of the mall. I even notice the use of natural lighting, Skylights proving only that SM Supermalls with its program under SM Cares on energy conservations through environmentally conscious architectural designs creating a more enjoyable indoor environment. The mall and its tenants also uses energy-efficient lighting like LED and CFL bulbs.

Two more exciting family entertainment will open this summer, Science Discovery Center and the Bowling Center.

SM Lanang’s Science Discovery Center will soon open the 1st and most advanced technology-based Science Center in Mindanao, including a Digital Planetarium and providing a highly interactive educational experience for students.



A fully-automated bowling attraction, the SM Bowling Center will also open soon.



Finally, ladies watch out for the opening of an international brand Forever 21, the first branch of the global retail brand in Mindanao. It will be followed by more international brands in the coming months. For the meantime, you may visit the two-level premier SM Department Store that houses our favorite accessories, shoes, bags, clothes, personal health and beauty needs and even snack section.

A wide range of fresh and dry goods and local products are available at SM Supermarket; pasalubong and souvenir items featuring Davao products  at Kultura. SM Lanang has Ace Hardware and Our Home section too!

Last but not the least, through a bridge way SM Lanang is accessible to ParkInn by Radisson, a newly opened hotel in metropolitan Davao.So the next time you go to Davao, why don’t you add SM Lanang Premier to your itinerary.