Magpupungko Tidal and Rock Pools Siargao: A Complete Guide To Visiting One Of Siargao’s Top Things To Do 2024
Magpupungko Rock Pools and Tidal Pools are a must see during your stay on Siargao island. The turquoise pools, exposed during low tide create a playground of cliff jumping, creature spotting and rock scrambling. If that’s not your style you can bask in the warm waters and soak up the Philippine sunshine.
There’s so much to explore here, read on to find out how to get here, how much it cost, when to visit and our thoughts on The Magpupungko Rock Pools.
Note: we’ve also seen the pools called the Magpopongko Rock Pool and flats, these are the same.
Contents
Siargao isn't called the Surfing Capital of the Philippines for no reason! Book your Surf Lessons Here.
Where Are The Magpupungko Rock and Tidal Pools?
You can find the Magpupungko Tidal Pools on the east coast of Siargao in the fishing town of Pilar. From General Luna the drive takes 45-50 minutes along scenic roads and from Pacifico the drive takes around 20 minutes.
We found the roads in Siargao to be in pretty good condition, however the access road here is not yet paved and we ended up with a flat tyre so take it easy.
How To Get To The Magpupungko Rock Pools?
We recommend hiring a scooter on the island, we rented ours for ₽300 a day. This will give you the freedom to visit the attractions when you like (at low tide for the pools) as well as spend as much time at each place as you wish.
If you don’t want to drive a scooter you can Hire a Tourist Van to take you around the island. This will cost more and therefore something you need to consider if you’re a budget traveller like us!
The last option is to book onto a tour, lots of people recommend the Siargao Land Tour which can be found on GetYourGuide.
How Much Do The Magpupungko Pools In Siargao Cost?
To enter the access the road you’ll have to pay a small fee, we paid ₽130 (£1.74) for both of us. You’ll also need to pay ₽20 for parking.
Don't miss this amazing Island Hopping Tour in Siargao, exploring Daku, Naked and Guyam Islands' pristine sandy beaches.
When To Visit Magpupungko Tidal Pools?
Low tide! This is the most important thing to remember, at high tide the pools are fully submerged and therefore you won’t be able to explore. Before you head off be sure to check the tides here…
For the best experience arrive just after high tide as its going out and you’ll be able to spend a good few hours exploring the different pools and formations.
Due to the fact that when you can visit is dictated by the tides, it’s often busy. Don’t let the crowds put you off though as there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.
What To Expect From Magpupungko Rock Pools?
When you arrive, walk down the beach to the pools, they are well signposted so you can’t go wrong.
Snorkelling
Take the time to explore each pool, you can rent a Snorkel mask for ₽200 or bring your own. There’s lots of life to be seen, we saw lots of fish, crabs and even a sea snake! Don't forget some Water Shoes.
Cliff Jumping
At the pools you can cliff jump off the main rock formation. Below is 3m deep but we still recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the rocks are sharp to scramble over.
If you don’t fancy jumping from a height you can jump straight into the pool from the side.
If you're an adrenaline seeker then why not try Siargao's Wakepark!
Exploring
Take the time to explore each pool, some are deep others are shallow. You may also find caves, creatures and hidden spots away from everyone else.
What To Bring To Magpupungko Rock Pools?
One of the main attractions is beautiful rock pools and crystal clear water however the Philippines coast is known for its Sea Urchins, we recommend bringing a good pair of Water Shoes if you plan to venture.
Of course you'll need a good Microfibre Towel which is lightweight and compact, perfect for travelling. They also come with a small zip pocket in the corner of the towel to keep valuables safe from the sand, and we make sure to keep our phones in these Waterproof Phone Cases.
Magpupungko Beach
At the beach you will find a row of restaurants where you can grab a coconut or a bite to eat.
The beach has white sands and stretches far away from the pools, we found the beach to be empty, with most people clustering the pools. This means if you take the time to walk a little further down you’ll have this paradise to yourself.
Don't miss this amazing Island Hopping Tour in Siargao, exploring Daku, Naked and Guyam Islands' pristine sandy beaches.
Best Places To Stay Siargao
Siargao has lots of accommodation whether you’re looking for a surf school, a luxury resort or a budget hostel you’ll be able to find somewhere.
We recommend staying in the main hub of General Luna as this is where most of the restaurants are located, as well as easy access to most of the island's attractions. If you want to get away from the crowds you could head up north and stay in Pacifico, which is the northern hub of the island best known for its epic waves.
We use Booking.com and HostelWorld for all of our stays around the world!
Below we share some recommend places to stay in General Luna, Siargao:
Where We Stayed In General Luna
We chose the budget option of Dream Catcher Nipas when staying in General Luna mainly due to the kitchen which allowed us to cook our own breakfasts and lunches. These are very basic triangular huts which have mattresses on the floor so don't expect anything fancy, but the location is perfect for General Luna and the grounds are lovely.
Top Things To Do On Siargao
We recommend a minimum of a week on Siargao, especially if you want to learn to surf. The island has an abundance of activities for you to explore and it’s also a great island for digital nomads. Here’s our highlights.
Top Pick: Magpupungko Rock Pools
A natural attraction that is stunningly beautiful at low tide. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the beach, cliff jumping and swimming in the warm Tidal pools!
Can’t Miss: Learn To Surf
A must in Siargao due to the world famous waves, there are lots of beginner beaches and shops offering surf lessons.
Best Beach: Pacifico Beach
A surf beach located North of the island with endless white sand, chill vibes and sunshine.
Off The Beaten Track: Tayangban Cave Pools
A short cave system with a crystal pool at the end to relax in.
Other Blogs On Siargao
Top Recommended Activities
Don't miss this amazing Island Hopping Tour in Siargao, exploring Daku, Naked and Guyam Islands' pristine sandy beaches.
Siargao isn't called the Surfing Capital of the Philippines for no reason! Book your Surf Lessons Here
For the adventure seekers out there why not try Siargao's Wakepark!
Essential Travel Items You Need
 | Lifestraw - Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Jungle Formula - High Deet Mosquito Spray The weak sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high deet percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes. |
 | Water Shoes - Lightweight with Protection Stay protected from Sea Urchins with these, also useful for snorkelling, waterfall hikes and more. We also love our Microfibre Towels and Dry Bag. |
 | Universal Travel Adaptor With Multiple USBs Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country... game changer. |
Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
Agree on taxi prices upfront - when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
Take it slow - don't feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
For a checklist of what's needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
We love our DJI Mini for all of our drone shots!
Final Thoughts: Magpupungko Rock and Tidal Pools
For us this is a place not to miss. There is so much to explore here and the beauty of the natural attraction is worth the 40 minute scooter drive. On your way up or down why not stop off at some of Siargao’s best attractions such as Tayangbang Cave or Coconut Tree Viewpoint.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
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