MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOL, SIARGAO PH

Siargao Island is a home of some truly expensive hotels and resorts, each with its own spectacular swimming pool. Regardless of how nice they are, they can never compare to the natural swimming holes which the Magpupungko Rock-Pools offers. This location features a lengthy stretch of white beach, an abundance of coconut trees, massive rock patterns and enormous sea-waves slamming rocks in the distance. The beach has a laid-back vibe, and it's a great spot to unwind after hours of discovering islands and cliff diving. In addition to its lovely coastline, Magpupungko is notable for its rock pools which are best explored when the tide is low. It's one of Siargao's well-known tourist attractions and should be on everyone’s list of sites to see.

Hello Hivers, join us as we share our pre pandemic Magpupungko Rock Pool experience. It was our first day in Siargao and since we always wanted to have DIY trips we rented a bike to the town and the whole island. It cost us 300 php ($6) per day excluding gasoline for the expense. This is one of the ways to reach Magpupungko which is about an hour ride from General Luna where our accommodation situated. We reserved this destination first after arriving in Siargao and settling into our accommodations since going to this place at the correct time is imperative. Magpupungko's rock pools are tidal pools. So as a result, they are concealed during high tide and exposed only during low tide around. Simply being an hour late might completely derail your trip. If you don't plan properly of the time of your visit in this place, you'll be dissatisfied so make sure to make use of your time efficiently. And of course, before going to this place we already researched on the low tide schedule ahead. You can check it here.

The road to Magpupungko is clearly defined and easy to follow. The drive up to destination is breathtaking, and we highly recommend riding up on a motorbike upon visiting this place. There are no potholes and very little traffic on these vast roadways. It is one of the easiest areas in the Philippines to ride a scooter.

_{Riding a Scooter in Siargao}

On the way, we passed on some other tourist destinations like Coconut Farm View Deck, Palm Tree Road and Maasin River which we will be sharing our experience in another blog.

_{Maasin River}

_{Coconut Palm Road}

_{Coconut Farm Viewdeck}

OUR MAGPUPUNGKO EXPERIENCE

Upon arriving at Magpupungko, we paid 50 php ($1) entry fee. This admission grants you access to the Rock-Pool as well as Magpupungko Beach, which is worth the price. Visiting this area has to be one of the most cost-effective activities in Siargao Island. Something this good should cost more than 50 php ($1). By the way, since we drove a motorbike from General Luna, we additionally paid 20 php ($0.4) for parking fee.

THE MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH

_{The Beach Quality}

We are then welcomed by a magnificent long stretch of sand, flanked by coconut palms. Actually, we were surprised to find a section of white sand beach here since we assumed this area was all about rock pools. Its sand quality is comparable to that of the country’s other prominent white sand beaches. The beach was clean and brilliant overall, with only a few pebbles and rocky areas. I can confidently state that every part of the island is a true gem. Its natural resources are pristine and pure, which overwhelms me. Then we started strolling past the cottages and down the shore, arriving at the Magpupungko Rock-Pools a few minutes later.

_{Water as Clear as Drinking Water}

THE MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK-POOLS

_{In Awe with the View}

We couldn't say anything when we saw the spot since the water was so pure and azure. It appears wonderful in the photo, but I assure you that seeing it with your own eyes is far more enchanting. This is a wonderful tiny place with numerous coves, caves, and cliff jumping opportunities. We suggest wearing aqua shoes or any shoes to protect your feet because the rocks are rough and spiky.

_{The Rock Pool}

_{Marveling Around the Area}

Curious about where the other tourists are going, we wander around the curve along the reef, and found the well-known balancing structure on the edge of the pool, and Niño did not miss the opportunity to take the plunge. We asked some locals there if cliff jumping in the Magpupungko is safe and said we don’t have worry about reaching the bottom since the water measures up to 3 meters deep.

_{Cliff Jumping}

WAVES IN MAGPUPUNGKO

Since cliff jumping isn’t my thing, I still had fun because there is still experience a ton of adventure we had at the rock pools. We swam through small caves, under ledges and explored all the different coves above and below the surface. And of course my favorite: catching the waves slamming against the rough floor of Magpupungko. Hapiness comes in waves indeed! There is too much to explore here. Good thing that we brought a dry bag because there is no other place to leave the belongings besides the entryway, and we won't be able to keep an eye on it while we explore the entire place.

_{Happiness Comes in Waves}

EATERIES IN MAGPUPUNGKO

After visiting and exploring the pool and high tide is already approaching, we felt hungry and headed to the restaurant for a meal and then relaxed on Magpupungko Beach. There are several tiny eateries inside the beach area that offers few different food alternatives, including a couple of burger stands and a restaurant that serve local cuisine by the way. We ate there one of our favorites: siomai and ngohiong and spent only a few dollars.

It is, without a doubt, an ultimate destination that provides an ultra-clear and ultra-cool experience. Thats it ! I hope you enjoy reading ouu experience and see you on our next blog.