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, swimming and rock scrambling. If that’s not your style you can bask in the warm waters and soak up the Philippine sunshine on Magpopongko white beach.
There’s so much to explore here, read on to find out how to get here, the entrance fee, when to visit and our overall thoughts on The Magpupungko Rock Pools.
Note: we’ve also seen the pools called the “Magpopongko” Rock Pools and Flats, these are the same attraction.
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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 pulling out from Magpopongko, so take it easy.
Siargao isn’t called the Surfing Capital of the Philippines for no reason! Book your Surf Lessons Here.
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 travelling the Philippines on a budget like us!
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
Lots of people recommend this Siargao Land Tour.
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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, making the total entrance fee ₽150 for two people.
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. Everything we wished we knew about the Philippines, all in one place.
Magpupungko Rock Pools Description
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.
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What To Bring To Magpupungko Rock Pools?
One of the main attractions is the 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.
Magpopongko white 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.
Top Places To Stay In 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 Siargao’s best tourist 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 being home to some of Siargao’s best surf spots.
Best Places To Stay In Siargao
$ Budget
Dream Catcher Nipas
A great place in the hustle and bustle of General Luna that is affordable if you’re on a budget. Equipped with a kitchen that you can use and friendly hosts. We stayed here for 5 nights.
$$ Mid-Range
La Boheme Boutique
This boutique glamping experience is one of the most beautiful on the island. With shared dorms available as well as private rooms, it has something for everyone.
$$$ High-End
Siargao Bleu Resort
Luxury meets island life here at this sea front resort in the heart of the surfing capital in the Philippines. With a huge pool and sea views this is a great luxury choice.
Spacing
Top Siargao Tourist Spots
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.
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
Best Siargao Tours
Tips For Travelling Siargao
If you’re visiting Siargao here’s our top travel tips:
- Stay in the General Luna and Cloud 9 area to be amongst the beautiful chaos and be in walkable distance from the best bars & restaurants.
- There’s lots to do for non-surfers on the island, don’t forget to try out the Siargao Wake Park!
- When getting around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM, don’t rely on Wi-Fi as the island has frequent blackouts.
- Go on the 3 island tour to see the true beauty Siargao has to offer, it’s not all about surfing after all…
- For the surfers, hire a scooter with a surf rack and visit Siargao’s best surf spots
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.
The very popular Siargao Land Tour stops off here at low tide which is the perfect time to come, alternatively if you can ride a scooter, we recommend hiring one for the day. Arrive early before the tourist van rush and you can chill on Magpopongko beach during the busiest time of day, meaning you can explore the rock pools when it’s quiet.
