Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao – Epic Blue Pools & Beach

Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao – Epic Blue Pools & Beach

Discover the crystal clear, aquatic blue pools at Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao. Contains everything you need to know to visit Magpupungko Beach in Siargao!

If you're considering a trip to Siargao, you already know that it's an epic island with so much untapped adventure potential! One of the best attractions to check out is the Magpupungko Rock Pools – a series of saltwater pools on rocky plains that are perfect for swimming and cliff jumping.

In this quick guide, I will outline everything you need to know about visiting Magpupungko Siargao. I'll let you know your options for getting here, what to expect, and throw in some of my favorite photos from my trip.

Featured in: Siargao Island Travel Guide
alt="Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao">

Where is Magpupungko Rock Pools in Siargao?

The Magpupungko Rock Pools are located on the east coast of Siargao Island in the Philippines. It is about 40 minutes from the main tourist center of General Luna. The nearest town is Pilar.

I've pinned the exact location below to make it easier for you to find it. Note that Google Maps spells it as “Magpopongko.”

Google Maps Pin: “Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats”

How do I get here?

So how do we get here? You have two main options for getting to Magpupungko Rock Pools, which I have described below.

Option 1: Siargao land tour

For those who are short on time, or if you would rather spend the day exploring the best highlights of Siargao with a local guide, then the very popular “Siargao Land Tour” is simply unbeatable. This is the most popular tour on the island, and for good reason.

The Siargao Land Tour not only visits the Magpupungko Rock Pools, but you will also see the epic Coconut Road and the rope swing on the Maasin River.

Check Price: Siargao Country TourSiargao Country Tour
alt="Siargao Palm Swing">

See also: Siargao Island Hopping

Option 2: Get to Magpupungko independently

The second way to get to Magpupungko is to do it independently. For this you need a motorcycle.

So I explored all the highlights on Siargao Island.

You can pick up a daily rental in General Luna for 250-350 pesos. Remember that you always have to bargain to get a fair price.
alt="Siargao Motorcycle Palm Street">

Directions

The drive to the Rock Pools takes approximately 40 minutes and follows the Dapa-General Luna Road, past the fantastic palm tree viewpoint and down the famous palm tree road. At the intersection at the Siargao Eagles’s Statue, turn right onto Siargao Circumferential Road.

Follow this past the famous coconut palm swing on the Maasin River and past the Tayangban Cave Pool. Soon the road becomes a little winding as it winds around the mangrove coves down to Pilar Harbor. Continue driving and you will soon reach the Magpupungko Rock Pools. There is a sign here that says “Magpupungko White Beach”.

What to Expect at Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao

Once you arrive at the white sandy beach of Magpupungko, you should go to the left (north) side where you will see the famous rock pools. There is one main pool in Magpupungko that is actually divided into two parts. The average depth is about 2-3 meters.

These rock pools are a special kind of blue. They are truly beautiful and the dense backdrops of coconut trees make for some pretty incredible scenes.

Tip: Visit the rock pools at low tide. At high tide the sea spills into the basins. Magic Seaweed is a good source for checking tides.
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alt="Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao">

The big pool

The main rock pool at Magpupungko Siargao is the first one you will find. This is the widest and you can easily swim, jump from the rocks and explore the coastal caves.

Below are some shots I took during my visit.
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alt="Magpupungko Siargao">
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Cliff jumps (rocks)

Although not huge, one of the best things to do at Magpupungko Rock Pools is jumping from the large boulders. We had a lot of fun and took some funny photos too. Remember to always do a depth check when cliff jumping.
alt="Magpupungko Rock Pool Cliff Jump">
alt="Cliff Jumping Siargao">
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More: Best Tourist Attractions in Siargao

Smaller pools and the large boulder

If you walk about 30 meters around the headland you will find some smaller pools and a huge, picturesque boulder on the edge of the coast.
alt=“Large boulder at Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao”>
alt="Sea Caves and Pools at Magpupungko Siargao">

Magpupungko Beach

The rock pools are not the only attraction at Magpupungko Beach. In fact, the beach itself is pretty great. You'll also find a few small local restaurants here, which is great after a long day of adventure.

However, if you come at low tide you will notice that the beach is quite rocky. I would say it's better to enjoy the pools at low tide and the beach at high tide!
alt="Magpupungko Beach">

Tips for visiting Magpupungko Rock Pools

Below are some tips you should know before planning a trip to Magpupungko Rock Pools in Siargao.

• Besuch bei Ebbe
• Kommen Sie früh hierher – dieser Ort wimmelt um die Mittagszeit von Menschen
• Die Rock Pools sind in der sehr beliebten Siargao Land Tour enthalten
• Der Besuch kostet keinen Eintritt und Sie können Ihr Fahrrad kostenlos abstellen!

More photos from Magpupungko Siargao

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alt="Swimming in the blue water Philippines">
alt="Drone Photo Magpupungko Rock Pools">
alt="Drone Photo Siargao Rock Pools">
alt="Siargao Rock Pool">
alt="Blue Pools in the Philippines">

Accommodation options on Siargao

If you are planning accommodation in Siargao, you should know that the main tourist center is called General Luna. There is a solid tourist infrastructure here such as hotels, resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, clubs, bars and travel agencies. Below are my favorite tips for where to stay.

Luxury villas: Las Palmas Villas and Casitas Siargao

• Tolles kostenloses Frühstück
• 100 Meter vom Strand entfernt
• Schwimmbad & Bar
• Schöne tropische Gärten und Terrasse

alt="Las Palmas Villas Siargao">
Luxury resort: Kalipay Resort

• Unglaubliche tropische Suiten
• Tolles Schwimmbad und Bar
• Beste Lage
• Nachts ruhig, aber in der Nähe von Partyspots
• Gesundes Frühstück

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Mid-Range Beach House: Surfing Carabao Beach Houses

• Tropische Hütten am Strand (Malinao Beach)
• Terrasse, Balkon und Klimaanlage
• Heimelig, komfortabel und offen
• Offene Küche
• Gehen Sie zu den Surfspots hinunter

alt="Surfing at Carabao Beach House on Siargao Island">
Hostel with flair: Ilakai Hostel

• Beste Hostel-Atmosphäre in Siargao
• Schöner Ort
• Saubere zimmer
• Billig!

alt="Ilakai Hostel on Siargao">
Tip: Compare the best accommodation options in Siargao as listed on Booking.com

More Philippines travel guides and blogs

I hope you enjoyed my guide for visiting Magpupungko Rock Pools Siargao. While you're here, check out some of my other blog posts about Siargao and the Philippines - I bet you'll discover something new!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. For high resolution & commercial use please contact me directly.
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