One of the many things we are looking forward to experiencing is the famous Magpupungko Rock Pools (or Magpupungko Tidal Flats) located in Siargao. This place is known for its natural rock pools that nature has created. During low tide, the rock pools are visible and one can easily go and swim towards the natural pool. High tide basically means that the rock pools are drowned in saltwater.
Of all the many things we are looking forward, there’s also that’s been recently added to the list, the Maasin River. Maasin River is named after the taste of its own water like it’s been salted (salt is “asin” in Filipino terms), hence the name Maasin (salty) River.
Magpupungko Rock Pools
People could go to Magpupungko Rock Pools via DIY (Do It Yourself) or thru a travel agency. We did the latter for we are more than 10 in the group with GotMarked Tours. This tour comes with a visit to Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Sandbar (Kawhagan Island), and Coconut Road.
So we went to Magpupungko Rock Pools after our Sugba Lagoon trip. We arrived at around 1 PM and with our guide, Karl, we first went off to the carinderias (eatery). Food costs around Php 50 to Php 100 each with generous serving. For Jane and I, we spent a total of Php 190 for our food. (Don’t worry about the food though if you are on an agency tour, your lunch is included in your payment).
After having a sumptuous lunch, we then took off to go to the rock pools.
There were a lot of people during our visit. The rock pools are also huge, which became a surprise for me. I didn’t expect that these rocks pools are wide and large. It was just like in the photos, vivid, calm, and radiant. We both were excited to dip in, but as bloggers, we have to take photos first before enjoying a thing.
Jane dipped into the nearest rock pool we could find, with at least lesser people. It’s also getting dark as the clouds were not in total favor during our visit, but we managed to make every experience better. I took pictures of her on these natural pools.
There also were lifeguards on the area. Not sure if they were hired or are volunteers but nonetheless, it was relieving to see that there are people willing to help in the case when someone’s in need.
The Mini Rock Pools of Magpupungko
There were mini rock pools in this area but we managed to find one that is just a suitable spot to take photos of. At first glance, there were people in it so we took the time to explore other rock pools. When they were gone, I immediately asked Jane to take a position so we could create videos of it and photos, of course.
This one particular spot is the one I think was perfect to describe mini pools in Magpupungko, like a jacuzzi but smaller and made by the natural environment.
Our friends, the Jeepsetters PH team, were on the other side of the rock pools, enjoying the time, swimming and talking about anything. Their smiles were just great, marking the enjoyment they felt at this marvelous creation of nature.
We spent like a worthy two (2) hours in these rock pool paradise, and I actually wished we could spend more time in the area. It was gloomy that day we visited, and I am sure, we will go back to see more of its beauty with a bright sky.
Maasin River
Maasin River has become one of the crowd’s favorite places to go after Instagrammers went to this place to take beautiful shots, curated to thirsty travel enthusiasts.
It’s also a part of the land tours offered by GotMarked Tours.
Supposedly, it should have been after our Magpupungko Rock Pools visit. Unfortunately, due to an accident which happened in front of our eyes at Coconut Road, we opted to postpone the visit. So Mark made arrangements and scheduled the tour after our Corregidor Island + Tri-island tours.
We visited here during an afternoon. There was an entrance fee of Php 20 per person (which is already included in the package so you don’t have to pay for anything). Before you also enter, there will also be t-shirts and other merchandise with a pretty good price.
There are many spots you can go while at Maasin River, but we stayed at two of the most photographed spots. The first one is where a balsa is situated, perfectly added there to be a part of your photos. Its background is where the next spot is. The balsa, though, has a service fee (rather a donation) as it is not part of the entrance fee at the river.
Just a reminder, be careful of the steps in this part of the river. The rocks are a bit sharp and are totally not flat. If you don’t want your device to be submerged in water when you fall, be careful of your steps.
The Coconut Tree Swing
The coconut tree swing is your background when you opt to take a photo at the first spot. It is where the adrenaline junkies fall in line to get a turn in the swing. Of course, being the adventurous person I am, I did not miss the chance.
From our group, only Radd, Anne, and I did the swing dive. What’s surprising though was there weren’t many who would like to try this activity. Only the brave would want to swing and dive in this spot. But this spot here in Maasin River is totally lit and a great experience.
Radd had two or three jumps I think, while Anne and I both had one (if I am not mistaken), but mine was not perfect. I want to do it again but my raptured ears won’t let me. It was actually a risk I’ve taken just so I could experience to dive and swim in the river. After the jumps we had, we all went back to our motorbikes and drove to the nearby Coconut Road to take another set of photos.
Coconut Road
There’s nothing much to say about this spot but this is the most photographed road in Siargao. There is no regulation or guides that will help you with your photos so you have to do it on your own and be cautious about your surroundings, the cars and motorbikes that are running along the highway.
Here’s where we personally witnessed an accident, and this spot has also become an accident-prone area.
Book your Tours with GotMarked Tours
Our adventure in Magpupungko Rock Pools, Maasin River, and Coconut road was part of a whole day itinerary organized by GotMarked Tours. Here are their tour offerings.
WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
General Luna is the home base of most tourists as life here is everywhere. Here are a few of our recommended hotels in the area.
- Siargao Diver’s Club
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Barrel Spot Surfhouse
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Calypso Surf and Dive
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Tres Islas Hostel
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Yay Lodge
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Villa Solaria Resort
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Balay Hayahay
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Yolly’s Tourist Inn
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Yayay Villa
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - The Courtyard Siargao
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - I Love Siargao Hostel
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - La Luna Island Resort
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING - Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao
– check rates via AGODA | via BOOKING
Travel Tips and Tipid Tips for Siargao
- For flights, to get a cheaper one, always check SkyScanner. Download their app now so you can check for deals every day. Corregidor Island Siargao
- For food, if you don’t want to spend a lot of cash on food, you can check out local eateries or carinderias. A decent meal could only cost you around Php 30 to Php 50, unlike well-known restaurants where a single meal could go from Php 80 to Php 500.
- Always care for your safety. Check highways left and right before crossing to avoid accidents.
- Wear sunblock or sun protection. We recommend Dermplus SPF 130 for sunblock and a rash guard for total sun protection of your skin.
- Accommodation with pool tends to charge from Php 2000 to Php 10000 a night. If you are not on a honeymoon or are backpackers, you can always opt for a hostel type or dorm accommodation and or homestays. See the recommendations above.
- Always wear a smile so everything will feel so light and nice.
- Rent a motorbike only if you know that you will be able to use them a lot. Motorbike rental costs Php 500 per day or Php 350 per day if you are renting for three consecutive days or more. Corregidor Island Siargao
- Make sure to bring a power bank because you definitely will be taking a lot of photos.
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