It was almost summertime when we decided to travel. The timing was perfect because the weather in Siargao during those months feels lively and bright, exactly the kind of atmosphere you would want for a quick escape. We flew from Cebu to Siargao which is around an hour of travel by plane. Once we arrived at Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, we rode a van arranged by the tour package we availed. The drive to our accommodation in Siargao Inn Beach Resort took around 40 minutes which gave us enough time to enjoy the scenery. Tall coconut trees lined up almost endlessly with open roads that made Siargao feel peaceful even before reaching the main tourist spots.
Among all the places we visited during that trip, the one that stayed with me the most was Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar. Before reaching the rock pools, we had to travel by road which is about 45 minutes from our accomodation. In our case, the tour guide included everything so all we needed to do was sit back and enjoy the ride lol. It was quite a long ride but it felt shorter that time because our tour guides were so lively. They talked, joked, and shared stories that made the entire travel feel light and fun. There was not a dull moment which is something I still appreciate to this day.
The moment we arrived, I instantly noticed something that made the place even more charming. Dogs and cats were roaming freely around the area looking relaxed and comfortable. They walked from one spot to another as if they really owned the entire place. It was adorable to watch and it made the environment feel very welcoming. There is really something about friendly animals that adds life to a place especially when the surroundings are already beautiful on their own.
Before heading to the rock pools, we decided to eat first which was definitely the right move. We had a budol fight which is a popular Filipino way of eating. The food is spread on banana leaves laid out on a long table. There are no plates or utensils. Everyone uses their bare hands. It is fun, messy, and full of laughter. Eating that way feels different because it makes everyone more connected. You share food, you talk while reaching for different dishes, and the experience becomes memorable. For our group it was one of the highlights of that part of the trip.
After we finished eating, our tour guide led us straight to the rock pools. As we walked closer the first thing that caught my attention was the water. It was unbelievably clear. It looked like a natural swimming pool carved by the sea itself. The mix of sunlight and blue water created a view that seemed almost unreal. Everything felt calm. There were only a few people around which was surprising because Magpupungko is one of the most popular spots on the island. The quiet atmosphere made it feel like we had the place to ourselves and that made the experience even more special.
When I stepped into the water I felt a bit of the cold but that feeling disappeared almost instantly. The view and the peaceful environment were enough to make me forget the temperature. We spent most of our time just floating around, exploring different corners of the rock pool, and talking to each other about anything that came to mind. It was simple yet meaningful.
The rock formations around the pool also made the place look unique. There were big stones shaped by nature through time. We took photos and tried to capture the beauty even though pictures will never fully show how breathtaking the place truly is. Still we tried because we wanted to keep those moments close even after leaving.
What made that experience stand out was how it left me the joy of spending genuine time with family. It's just the sea in front of us and the people who make every trip worth remembering. Looking back at the photos made me think about how peaceful those hours were. It was a moment where everything felt light and the world felt quieter.
Even now that a year has passed, I still find myself thinking about Magpupungko Rock Pools every time someone asks me about my favorite travel memories. It was the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. The clear water, the friendly animals, the peaceful environment, and the shared stories during that trip made it unforgettable.