Magpupungko is a natural rock pool, best visited on low tide, that can be found on the east coast of Siargao Island. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots that can’t be missed on your list of places to visit in Siargao.
I have put together this complete guide of Magpupungko Rock Pools including how to get there, the best time to visit, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.
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Contents
WHERE IS MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOL?
Magpupungko Siargao is a 45-minute drive from General Luna, the main tourist hub.
The drive from General Luna to this natural attraction takes approximately 45 minutes.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
One of the most common ways to get here is on a scooter. The cost for a scooter rental in General Luna is around 300-400 pesos per day, or for a monthly rental, you’ll get a cheaper rate of around 200-300 pesos per day.
There are four amazing stops to make on the way to Magpupungko Rock Pools including Sea of Palms Viewpoint, Palm Tree Road, Palm Tree Rope Swing, and Tayangban Cave Pool.
BOOK A TOUR TO MAGPUPUNGKO
Another alternative to visiting this remarkable vista is to book a full-day tour to see the highlights on Siargao.
The Siargao Land Tour is the most top-rated tour with great reviews and hundreds of bookings.
This tour covers the top Instagram spots in Siargao including the Coconut Tree Viewpoint in the morning, followed by the Palm Tree Rope Swing, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and ending at the famous Sugba Lagoon!
All this for less than $30 USD.
Book Now → Siargao Land Tour
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal, meaning that they are only accessible on low tide when they are exposed. If you arrive at Magpupungko Siargao on a high tide you will not be able to see or even be permitted access to the natural pools for safety reasons.
Be sure to time your visit correctly or you will be disappointed. To check the tide times in advance, Click here.
My friends and I arrived in the morning after having already visited the above-mentioned locations along the way.
As these rockpools are one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots you will most likely be sharing the rock pools with a lot of people. Please don’t be deterred by the crowds at this beautiful location as there is plenty of space for everyone.
Book Now → Magpupungko Rock Pool Tour
Marveling at the view
Backflipping into the pools
WHAT TO EXPECT
My friends and I spent a couple of hours at this awesome location and we enjoyed some cliff jumping, swimming through small caves, and exploring the surrounding rocky coastline.
Note: If you are planning to do some cliff jumping, be sure to take a pair of slip-on waterproof shoes or old shoes to climb up onto the rock formations as they are very sharp, jagged, and unforgiving.
The water in the Magpupungko Rock Pools is up to 3 meters deep so you won’t have to worry about hitting the bottom when cliff jumping.
Before leaving the Magpupungko Pool, we grabbed some lunch and a coconut shake for $4 from one of the local restaurants under the shady palm trees along Magpupungko Beach.
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Cliff jumping
An aerial perspective
Local restaurants on Magpupungko Beach
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
General Luna is the place to be when it comes to searching for the best places to stay in Siargao! General Luna has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorite places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Nay Palad Hideaway Villas
Nay Palad Hideaway offers the perfect ‘island resort vibe’ that you may be seeking. Choose either a sea view or a garden view luxurious room, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, and enjoy your very own private palm tree-fringed beach! On top of this, resort guests can make use of the complimentary paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, bicycles, and even jump on board an island hopping tour.
Luxury: Isla Cabana Resort
An awesome 4-star resort located in General Luna on the beachfront. Isla Cabana boasts an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and sun terrace that looks out over the Pacific Ocean. These private villas come fitted with king-sized beds, an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning, cable TV, fridge, and sitting area. Book a treatment at the in-house spa or make use of the free activities available such as snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, or cycling.
Mid Range: Sunset Bay Beach Villas
Sunset Bay provides beachside villas that are comfortable and peaceful, overlooking the Philippine Sea. The famous Cloud 9 Siargao is just a few minute’s walk away. The villas are air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, kitchen, fridge, and stovetop. Perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Mid Range: Kokai Resort
Nestled within lush gardens, you’ll get the ultimate jungle vibes here at Kokai Resort. There is a sun terrace, in-house restaurant, free wifi, and motorbike rental available. Kokai Resort has both dorms and private bungalows on offer, perfect for those on a budget.
Budget: Secret Spot Siargao
I personally stayed at Secret Spot and I can’t recommend this place enough. The hostel features an upstairs dormitory with 20 comfortable beds, downstairs bathrooms, a spacious living area, a fully-equipped kitchen, an outdoor chill zone, free wifi, and hanging hammocks in the garden.
Budget: Balay Hayahay Hostel
Balay Hayahay is a budget-friendly hostel centrally located in General Luna. There are dorm rooms and private rooms available in tee-pee style bamboo huts just a minute walk to the beach. This hostel also features a shared kitchen and chill-out zone with hammocks. The perfect place to stay with friends or for solo travelers.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEE MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
BEST SIARGAO TOURS
Siargao Island Hopping Tour
Spend the day island hopping between three tropical islands known as Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, just a short boat trip off the coast of General Luna. All this for less than $30 USD.
Book Now → Siargao Island Hopping Tour
Siargao Land Tour
The Siargao Land Tour is the best way to see the hotspots in one day. Visit the Coconut Tree Viewpoint in the morning, followed by the Palm Tree Rope Swing, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and ending at the famous Sugba Lagoon! All this for less than $30 USD.
Book Now → Siargao Land Tour
Sohoton Cove Tour
Sohoton Cove is a must-do day trip during your visit! The tour includes a full day of island hopping to Sohoton Cove, Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, with lunch. All this for less than $45 USD.
Book Now → Sohoton Cove Tour
Corregidor Island Tour
Corregidor Island is a dreamy tropical paradise just off the coast of General Luna. Explore the grassy hills and colorful coral reefs on Corregidor Island before island-hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, including lunch. All of this for less than $40 USD.
Book Now → Corregidor Island Tour
LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Philippines Guide!
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET PHILIPPINES
MORE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDES
- Philippines Guide: 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
- Cebu: 15 Things To Do In Cebu
- Bohol: 31 Epic Things To Do In Bohol
- Siargao: 15 Things To Do In Siargao
- El Nido: El Nido Island Hopping
- Coron: Coron Island Hopping
- Boracay: 15 Things To Do In Boracay
- Siquijor: 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary
- Bantayan: 15 Things To Do In Bantayan
- Malapascua: 11 Things To Do In Malapascua
- Camiguin: 13 Best Camiguin Tourist Spots
- Romblon: 12 Epic Things To Do In Romblon
- Tablas: 10 Things To Do In Tablas
- Carabao: 7 Best Things To Do In Carabao
- Dumaguete: Best Dumaguete Tourist Spots
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
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MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Adventuring!
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Hey, I’m Jonny – surfer, skater, photographer, and coffee-lover from Australia!
With a burning passion for travel and the outdoors, I launched this Adventure Travel Blog in 2017, and I’ve been exploring the world ever since!
My little corner of the interwebs is a space where I love to share all of my epic adventures, cultural experiences, and captivating photos from around the globe with the ultimate goal to inspire and motivate other like-minded travelers to explore this wonderful earth too!
