Magpupungko Rock Pools – Siargao Island Philippines

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The Magpupungko Rock Pools on Siargao in the Philippines, are a perfect place for those who love to swim in crystal clear warm water, while surrounded by stunning scenery. Magpupungko Rock Pools a 45-minute motorbike ride from General Luna and the perfect place to spend a day if you’re searching for swim, sun and fun. The rock pools are visible during low tide only though, so plan your trip accordingly. My best tip: stop by the Insta famous palm swing first and then continue to Magpupungko. We arrived around 8-9 am and there was already quite a crowd there!

About Magpupungko Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools could very well be defined as a hidden gem in Siargao, since they do stay hidden for the most part of the day. The rock pools at Magpupungko are revealed at low tide and are a beautiful and exciting place for swimming or cliff jumping. The pools here vary in size and depth – so check the before you jump! The water in the pools is crystal clear, but beware of the razor-sharp rocks that grace the bottom and the area around the pools. A good idea is to bring some water shoes with you, so you don’t cut your feet.

Since the place can get quite busy, keep an eye on your belongings a little extra here. We never strayed away from our things and tried to be well aware of the people around us. A good idea if you’ll be doing lots of jumping and splashing, is to bring a dry bag to keep your things and towel dry for when you’re done with the adventure.

Besides the rock pools on the left, you’ll also see a beautiful sandy beach on the right side. Since everyone is so interested in the rock pools, the beach tends to be totally empty. Take this chance and have a sunbathing session to relax afterwards as well.

How To Get To Magpupungko Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools are located in the northeast part of Siargao and are approximately a 45-minute drive from General Luna. The easiest way to get here is by renting a motorbike in town and driving up yourself. The roads in Siargao are very empty, wide, and well maintained.

Costs:

Php 700-800 Rental for habal-habal for 2 persons to and from General Luna

Php 350-400 For one-day motorcycle rental

The road to the pools is absolutely stunning as well. You’ll be surrounded by palm trees and driving by small, local fishing villages. If you have the time, make a stop and observe the daily life and the locals will observe you 🙂

Magpupungko Rock Pools Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Magpupungko Rock Pools is 50 pesos (1 USD) environmental fee per person. Besides the entrance fee, you will need to pay 20 pesos for the motorbike parking. Once you’re through the gate, you can easily spend the entire day here. You’ll see food stands and restaurants, a big sandy beach on the right and rock pools to the left.

Tip: you should try the grilled banana with caramel – it was very delicious!

Best Time to Visit Magpupungko Rock Pools

The best time to visit Magpupungko Rock Pools is during low tide. Since this changes year-round, your best bet is to ask your hotel, the locals or check the Siargao tides online here.

Since the majority of the people visit during low tide times, you’ll notice it’s quite hard to visit with no crowds. Try to visit on a regular work/school day and early in the morning. Since tides change daily, you might not be lucky to be in Siargao when the tides are low in the morning, but it’s worth planning a little extra before you visit.

The area in itself is quite large though, so if crowds aren’t your thing, just walk lower down the beach and you’ll notice it’s much emptier there. We had a pool all to ourselves for almost an hour, before other people discovered us.

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