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Rock Pools near Porto Moniz, Madeira. Photo by Tony Hisgett on

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Magpupungko Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools are a series of salt-water pools on rocky flats which are perfect for swimming and cliff jumping and are located in the northeast part of Siargao and are approximately a 45-minute drive from General Luna.

A dramatic rock formation on the edge of the pool is composed of a large rock that appears to be squatting on another rock. ‘Pungko’ in Visayan means to squat. Thus, the name Magpupungko. The clear warm waters of the pool are deep enough to allow rock jumping from the namesake rock.

Let’s take a look at some of the unknown facts about it;

1. The pools in Magpupungko Rock Pools vary in size and dept

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.

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. Magpupungko Beach is widely known for its tidal pools that only come into view at a certain time of the day. It is the rise and fall of the tide that dictates its emergence. 

2. Transportation to Magpupungko Rock Pools is easy and affordable

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.

The costs are as follows; Php 700-800 Rental for habal-habal for 2 persons to and from General Luna and 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. 

3. The best time to visit the pools is during low tide

Rock pools at Far Skerr Edit this at Structured Data on Commons. Photo by Oliver Dixon on

The best time to visit Magpupungko Rock Pools is during low tide. Majority of the people visit during low tide times and it is mostly crowded during these times. It is however the best time to visit and enjoy yourself. 

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. This amount of money is affordable and easy to pay. 

4. The Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal pools

The Magpupungko Rock Pools are tidal pools and the tide fluctuates about one meter (3ft) between high and low tide. Also depending on the moon cycle the highs and lows can be even more drastic, especially near the full moon.

The tide cycles between high and low take about 5-7 hours from the lowest point to the highest point. So, there are 2-3 hours on either side of the low tide where the conditions will still be pretty good. They are only visible and accessible during low tide since they are submerged during high tide. 

5. There are so many things to do at the Magpupungko Rock Pools

There are so many things to do at the Magpupungko Rock Pools including; cliff jumping-Being surrounded by giant rock formations, it’s the perfect setting for an afternoon of cliff jumping. Swimming-shallow, warm waters of the Magpupungko Rock Pools are practically made for snorkeling. 

Beach lunches-One can take time off to eat and enter into one of the restaurants and take a bite of the spicy food. Walking by the pool-It’s a nice deep beach and even some giant rock formations offshore punked into the sea in front of the sand. 

6. They are natural fascinating sea water pools and best during low tide

The Magpupungko Rock Pools  are natural fascinating sea water pools and best during low tide. The area is protected with the rock formations that makes big and breath-taking crystal clear swimming pool.

Right in front of it is a strong big waves from the pacific ocean that is been safely trapped. It got its name because of its amazing gigantic rock that is like squatting on each other. It is really wonderful how God made them all.

7. There are the several things Magpupungko attraction gets its popularity from

There several things the Magpupungko attraction gets its popularity from.These things include; The beautiful white sand beach, the gorgeous and amusing tidal rock pools, and the stunning rock formation that gives Magpupungko its unique character. 

It is advisable to wear high-friction footwear for walking over those mossy, slippery rocks. After that you’ll arrive in a vast area with angel-deep waters, with the rock pools nestling playfully surrounded by huge rocks.

8. There are also various small caves to explore and bare hills to climb, albeit rocky

Around the rock pools are various small caves to explore and bare hills to climb, albeit rocky. The most famous rock formation on the coast, apart from the pools, is the large boulder that perilously rests on a flat stone.

This limestone boulder resembles the shape of squatting, which in the Surigaonon dialect is “pungko”.When you wander through the Magpupungko rock pools past the boulder, you will find yourself in a different secluded beach. When dry, the sand is soft, into which the feet sink easily with every step. 

9. There are several big hotels and restaurants near it

There are several big hotels and restaurants near it including; Isla Cabana Resort, Reef Beach Resort, Buddha’s Surf Resort, Romantic Beach Villas, Soeliana Resort, and Eddie’s Beach Resort Siargao. 

Restaurants here also include;Kawayan Siargao resort restaurant, karagatan restaurant, Sugar Shack, BLISS Restaurant, Shaka Siargao, CEV Ceviche & Kinilaw, Bravo Restaurant, Sushi Nori, Kermit Siargao and Kalinaw Resort Restaurant. 

10. The route to Magpupungko is well marked and easy to find

The route to Magpupungko is well marked and easy to find. Take the main road leaving General Luna and Cloud 9. After 15 minutes, take a right turn and continue on this road for another 30 minutes until you see the turn off for the rock pools on your right hand side.

There are also a few different food options at Magpupungko Beach, Siargao as there is a couple of burger stands and a restaurant that serves a wide variety of local food. Dishes cost around 150 PHP ($2.88 USD) and although it wasn’t the best food we have ever had, it filled the void.