Wanderworld

Siargao is one of the items on my travel bucket list that I’m happy and proud to have crossed off already. Visiting this seemingly elusive gem of a place (because of the expensive airfare!) has always been my dream, and I didn’t let anything hinder me from doing so—be it a complicated itinerary (IT) or my poverty. Lol.

Even if you’re not a surfer, Siargao will spoil you with natural wonders, which you can visit via an island hopping tour for one or two days. One of the popular Siargao tourist spots is the Magpupungko Rock Pools, also called Magpupungko Tidal Flats or Magpupungko Tidal Pools, which seem like pockets of clear water that are only visible during low tide.

Magpupungko Rock Pools

This was not included in our original IT, but we decided to visit it anyway since we were not sure if our hotel room was already ready when we arrived in the morning in Siargao. We didn’t have a contact person for island hopping before we got there, but one habal-habal (motorcycle) driver was persistent in giving us a ride around town upon our arrival at Dapa port in Siargao, so we gave in. Kuya Bebot, who was originally from Manila but married someone from Siargao and settled there, turned out to be a blessing to us.

Kuya Bebot told us that we could visit Magpupungko Rock Pools because morning is the best time to visit the place because it’s low tide. That means we can see the actual rock pools which the place is famous for.

I originally didn’t include Magpupungko in our IT because I read from blogs that it’s far from the town center and you’ll have to endure a long rough road going there. But since we came from Dapa port, the entry point to Siargao via ferry, the ride was shorter. The road going there has also been fixed; no rough road at all, so it was way more pleasant than the habal-habal ride going to Enchanted River.

The pictures online of Magpupungko Rock Pools probably won’t impress most people, but as it turned out, the tidal pools were indeed unique and a sight to behold. The place features a beach with strong waves and rock formations. But when the tide recedes, the rock pools with clear emerald green waters surface.

You’d have to walk to the side of the beach, wade through ankle-deep waters during low tide and go over several rocks to see the actual rock pools. The tidal pools were surprisingly beautiful in person; the color of the water is comparable to that of Tangke Lagoon at Isla Gigantes in Iloilo.

From afar, you’d think that the water is shallow because you can see various rocks jutting out from it. But if you come closer, especially on the farther end of the rock pool, you’ll see that some parts are actually deep. What’s amazing is you can see through the waters all the way down just by standing over it because it’s crystal clear.

Besides swimming in the refreshing and crystal clear water, most people also go here for cliff diving. Both tourists and locals climb the rocks beside the pool (which is not easy to do because they’re sharp and kind of a long walk), and then jump off to the deep end of the water.

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie like me (haha), besides swimming, you can opt to take pictures of the rock formations. The strong waves crashing against the rocks are a beautiful sight too.

Additionally, you can spot a fish or two in the rock pools, even at the shallow end, which is a good way to pass the time.

How to Get to Magpupungko

Habal-habal (motorcycles) are the usual mode of transportation in Siargao, so it’s also the best way to get to Magpupungko. If I remember correctly, it’s around 1 ½ to 2 hours away from General Luna, the town center where most resorts are located. Normal roundtrip fare is around Php 1,000 for 2 persons, depending on your negotiations with the driver. The driver waits for you until you’re ready to leave.

Alternatively, I read from some blogs that you can ride a public jeep from General Luna that will pass by Magpupungko. However, the tricky part is how you’ll get back to Gen. Luna as it was said that very few jeepneys and even habal-habal pass by the area going back to the town, especially in the late afternoon.

Expenses

Entrance fee to Magpupungko – Php 50 per person

Habal-habal ride from Dapa port to Magpupungko to our resort in Gen. Luna: Php 850/2 = Php 425

Habal-habal driver/contact person

Kuya Bebot – 09309749974 – I highly recommend him; he was our driver during our whole stay in Siargao, and he gave us helpful tips such as the cheapest eating places in the town. He also gave us reasonable rates for the tours. He was even the one who arranged our island hopping tour the next day because his cousin is a boatman. He also even texted us days after we left Siargao just to send his regards. 😀

Note: There are no facilities in Magpupungko besides a toilet, so bring food and other essentials if you wish to stay long.

Travel date: May 2015

**Next post: Siargao Island Hopping