Magpupungko rock pools at low tide

Natural tidal pools that appear as the sea retreats, with clear water, coral rock and a giant boulder balanced on the shore.

Area

Northern Siargao

Start from

General Luna, Siargao

Distance

about 40 km north by road

Time needed

half a day

Best season

All year; visit at low tide

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter, van or hired tricycle

Tickets & rules

Small entrance fee

Why go

Magpupungko is a natural wonder that depends completely on the tide. At high tide it is just a rocky stretch of coast with waves crashing over the reef. At low tide the sea pulls back and reveals a series of clear, turquoise pools in the rock, deep enough to swim and jump into, with fish trapped in them and waves breaking on the outer reef just beyond.

Nearby, a huge boulder sits on the shore, said to give the place its name, roughly ‘the stone that sits’. Next to the pools there is a long beach where you can rest under the trees while waiting for the tide.

It is a fun, simple half-day: a ride north through the coconut palms, a swim in the pools and a lazy lunch.

The story

The pools are part of a raised coral reef shelf on Siargao’s east coast, in the municipality of Pilar. Over thousands of years waves and rain have eroded the rock into basins that fill with seawater as the tide falls.

Local guides tell visitors that Magpupungko comes from a local word for the act of sitting, referring to the big boulder that appears to have been placed there. Whether that is the true origin or not, the boulder has become the symbol of the place.

Pilar itself is a quiet fishing town with houses on stilts over the water and a calm bay. Before the road improved, it was a long journey from General Luna, and for many visitors it still feels like a trip to the far side of the island.

Magpupungko became popular as Siargao’s tourism grew, and the local government introduced fees and guides to manage the crowds. The pools are now one of the island’s most visited sights.

Getting there

From General Luna, the ride north to Pilar takes roughly an hour by scooter or van along the main road through the palms.

Check the tide table and time your visit for low tide; staff at the entrance can also tell you when the pools will be accessible.

A suggested plan

1. Before low tideRide north from General Luna through the palms.
2. Low tideSwim in the pools and jump from the safe rocks.
3. AfterRest on the beach under the trees.
4. LunchSimple lunch at the stalls near the entrance.
5. AfternoonCombine with Tayangban Cave Pool on the way back.

Where to stay

General Luna is the usual base; Pilar has a few small places if you want to stay closer.

Good to know

• Plan around low tide; at high tide the pools are inaccessible.
• Wear water shoes; the rocks are sharp.
• Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.
• Bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen.