The High Life: Navigating Makati’s Elevated Walkway Network in the Rain

Don’t let tropical rain ruin your workday. Learn how to navigate the Makati Skywalk system, from the One Ayala Terminal to the Makati Medical Center, while staying completely dry.

Makati’s Secret Passageways: How to Use Underpasses and Skywalks Efficiently

In the Makati Central Business District (CBD), a sudden tropical downpour can turn a quick coffee run into a logistical nightmare. However, while the streets below may flood and the sidewalks become a sea of umbrellas, savvy commuters are moving through the city in total comfort. The secret? A sophisticated, interconnected network of elevated skywalks, underpasses, and mall passages that make Makati one of the most walkable (and rain-proof) cities in Southeast Asia. 🏙️🌧️

The centerpiece of this system is the De La Rosa Elevated Walkway, the longest of its kind in the Philippines, stretching over 1.1 kilometers. Combined with the Ayala Center mall complex and various strategic underpasses, you can technically walk from the One Ayala Intermodal Terminal on EDSA all the way to Makati Medical Center near Gil Puyat Avenue without ever stepping into the rain. Mastering this “dry route” is an essential skill for any professional working in the heart of the city.

How to Navigate the Makati Skywalk System

To stay dry, you must think of Makati as a series of connected “levels” rather than just streets. Here is your step-by-step route for a rain-free journey.

Step 1: Start at the Eastern Gateway (One Ayala)

Begin your journey at the One Ayala Intermodal Terminal. From the Upper Ground (UG) level, use the internal link that connects directly to SM Makati. This is your first major “dry zone.”

Step 2: The Ayala Center Mall Hop

Instead of exiting to the street, follow the indoor signs:

• Walk through SM Makati to reach Glorietta 4.
• Navigate through the Glorietta complex (Glorietta 3, 2, and 1).
• From Glorietta 1, look for the second-floor bridge that leads directly into Landmark.
• Walk across Landmark and take the bridge connecting to Greenbelt 3.

Step 3: Enter the De La Rosa Elevated Walkway

Once you reach Greenbelt 5, exit through the wing facing Legazpi Village. You will see the entrance to the De La Rosa Elevated Walkway (near the corner of Legazpi St. and Dela Rosa St.). This is a fully roofed, glass-railed structure that sits above the traffic.

Step 4: The Long Haul to VA Rufino

Walk along the De La Rosa path. You will pass over several major intersections, including Paseo de Roxas. This section is lined with plants and features several “off-ramps” that lead directly into major office buildings like The Enterprise Center or Ayala Tower One.

Step 5: Transition to the Extension

The original skywalk used to end at V.A. Rufino St., but a modern extension now continues the path. Follow the signs towards Makati Medical Center. This segment is particularly useful during the afternoon “monsoon” hours when Dela Rosa Street is prone to heavy traffic.

Step 6: The Western Terminus (Makati Med)

The skywalk terminates at the doorstep of Makati Medical Center and the surrounding medical plazas. From here, you are only a few meters away from the northern end of Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat.

Step 7: Using the Underpasses (Paseo and Ayala)

If your destination is on the other side of Ayala Avenue (towards Salcedo Village), use the pedestrian underpasses. The most popular are at the Ayala-Paseo intersection and the Ayala-V.A. Rufino intersection. These are brightly lit, art-filled, and completely waterproof.

Step 8: Monitor the Operating Hours

Most parts of the skywalk system are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. If you are working late, ensure you know which mall doors lock early so you don’t get “trapped” in a segment that has no street access.

Step 9: Look for Building “In-Links”

Many premium buildings have their own private bridges to the skywalk. If you work in a building like Solaris One or Convergys, check if your lobby has a “Skywalk Level” (usually the 2nd floor).

Step 10: Follow the Digital Signage

Modern additions to the skywalk include digital boards that display weather alerts. If a “Yellow” or “Orange” rainfall warning is active, stay within the skywalk system even if the rain looks like it’s stopping—Philippine weather is notoriously unpredictable.

Benefits

1. Total Rain Protection: Stay dry from head to toe, preserving your office attire and expensive electronics.
2. Increased Safety: Stay away from the splashing of passing vehicles and the slip hazards of wet street tiles.
3. Speed: Moving above the street level means you don’t have to wait for traffic lights at every intersection.
4. Air Quality: The elevated height and green walls along the walkway provide a slightly fresher environment than the street level.
5. Exercise: The walk from One Ayala to Makati Med is roughly 2km—a perfect way to get your steps in without the sweat of the sun.
6. Accessibility: Most entry points feature escalators and elevators, making it friendly for seniors and PWDs.
7. Cost-Free: There is no “toll” for using the pedestrian network.
8. Retail Therapy: The path takes you through the city’s best malls, allowing for quick errands on the go.
9. Lighting: The system is well-lit at night, providing a safer alternative to dark alleyways.
10. Visual Art: Enjoy the murals and installations of the “Makati Art Walk” that often decorate the underpasses and walkways.

Costing

Navigating the skywalk and underpass system is 100% free. Your only costs would be:

• Optional Mall Snacks: It’s hard to resist a snack while walking through Glorietta.
• Beep Card: If you start your journey at the MRT or One Ayala bus terminal.
• Maintenance Contribution: Indirectly through the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MaCEA) fees paid by building owners.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Completely weather-proof from EDSA to Makati Med.
2. Safe from vehicular traffic and road hazards.
3. Well-maintained, clean, and secure (guards are stationed at intervals).
4. Encourages a healthy, walkable urban lifestyle.
5. Interconnected with major malls, hotels, and offices.
6. Provides excellent “bird’s eye” views of the Makati skyline.
7. Reduces the “commuter stress” associated with wet weather.
8. Clear signage makes navigation intuitive.
9. Open during the most critical commuting hours.
10. Reduces the need for tricycles or short-distance Grab rides.

Cons

1. Can become very crowded during “Rush Hour” (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
2. The route through malls can be circuitous compared to a straight street walk.
3. Some older segments may have minor leaks during extreme typhoons.
4. Walking the full length can be tiring (approx. 20–30 minutes).
5. Limited seating or resting areas along the De La Rosa stretch.
6. Escalators are sometimes under maintenance, requiring stair use.
7. Not all office buildings have a direct “dry” connection.
8. The system closes at 10:00 PM, which is a disadvantage for graveyard shift workers.
9. Temperature can vary—some mall sections are freezing, while skywalk sections can be humid.
10. The glare from wet glass railings can be distracting for some.

Key Takeaways

1. Mall Integration is Essential: You must use SM Makati, Glorietta, Landmark, and Greenbelt as your primary shelters.
2. Know Your Bridges: Look for the specific bridges on the 2nd floor of malls to stay elevated.
3. The 1.1km Rule: The De La Rosa Elevated Walkway is your main artery for the Legazpi Village side of Makati.
4. Underpasses for Cross-Ayala: Use the underpasses to safely cross the 10-lane Ayala Avenue.
5. Off-Peak for Speed: If you need to move fast, avoid the 5:30 PM crowd.
6. Stay High: Whenever possible, stay on the 2nd floor to remain connected to the skywalk system.
7. Watch the Time: Don’t get stuck in the malls when they close at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
8. Use the Elevators: For those with strollers or mobility issues, look for the elevators located at major intersections.
9. Follow the Greenery: The skywalks with vertical gardens are usually the most modern and well-maintained.
10. Shoes Matter: Even in a dry system, wear comfortable shoes; the total distance is longer than it looks on a map.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I walk from the MRT Ayala Station to Makati Medical Center without getting wet?

Yes, by following the SM Makati > Glorietta > Landmark > Greenbelt > De La Rosa Skywalk route.

2. Are the Makati underpasses safe at night?

Yes, they are well-lit and guarded by MaCEA security personnel until 10:00 PM.

3. Is the De La Rosa Skywalk air-conditioned?

No, it is naturally ventilated but fully roofed to protect from rain.

4. How do I get to Salcedo Village from the Skywalk?

The skywalk primarily serves Legazpi Village. To get to Salcedo, you usually need to use the underpasses at Paseo de Roxas or V.A. Rufino to cross Ayala Avenue.

5. Are bicycles or scooters allowed on the skywalk?

No, the skywalk is strictly for pedestrian use only.

6. Is there a fee to use the Makati skywalks?

No, they are free for the public.

7. Where is the longest segment of the skywalk located?

Along De La Rosa Street, stretching from Greenbelt to near the Makati Medical Center.

8. Can I use the skywalk during a Typhoon Signal No. 2?

Usually yes, but exercise extreme caution as high winds can cause rain to blow into the sides of the open-air segments.

9. Are there restrooms along the skywalk?

There are no restrooms on the skywalk itself, but you are never more than a 2-minute walk from a mall restroom.

10. What is the “Makati Art Walk”?

It is an initiative where local artists paint murals in the underpasses, making the “dry route” more visually engaging.

Conclusion

The Makati Skywalk system is a testament to smart urban planning in a tropical climate. It transforms the city from a series of disconnected buildings into a cohesive, walkable community. Whether it’s the peak of the monsoon season or a scorching summer afternoon, these elevated paths and underpasses offer a dignified, safe, and efficient way to navigate the Philippines’ premier financial district. Next time the clouds turn gray over Makati, don’t reach for your umbrella first—reach for the nearest skywalk entrance. 🚉🌂

Link Resources

• Make It Makati – Official Pedestrian Guide
• Ayala Land – Urban Development and Mobility
• MaCEA – Makati Commercial Estate Association Official Site
• Makati City Government – Traffic and Transport Advisory
• Official Guide to Makati Underpasses
• Photo Courtesy of Make It Makati

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