Hello, Worldmappin family! It’s another beautiful day, and a perfect day to live. Every day is a gift and an opportunity. If you read my previous post, you know that Siargao is not just about epic island hopping; there’s a whole other side of the island waiting to be explored. Today, I am taking you on a journey to two of Siargao’s most captivating natural wonders: the Magpupungko Rock Pools and the serene Maasin River.
After resting the next day, we headed to the Magpupungko Rock Pools, located in the municipality of Pilar, about an hour’s drive from General Luna. When you visit Siargao, make sure to not miss this spot—it's a natural phenomenon that you can only find here.
This is the view you will see upon arrival at Magpupungko. At this moment, it's low tide, and you can still enjoy the pool. The weather is fair, and thank God it is not raining.
You can see happy faces, and many people visit this spot.
These tourists are on their way to the rock pool. You need to cross the sea on foot when the tide is low. It's not far, and it will only take a few minutes to get there. You'll see many people enjoying the pool.
This pool becomes visible only when the tide goes out, so always check the tide schedule.
As we drew closer, I was captivated by the dramatic rock formations that lined the perfectly sculpted natural pools. It’s incredible to think about how nature has shaped these pools over centuries through the relentless action of ocean waves. This is the essence of nature; it’s a true wonder and incredibly humbling.
There is a series of natural basins that vary in depth and size. I need to check which ones are not too deep because I can't swim—LOL! When you visit, don't forget to invest in a GoPro so you can see the bottom of the pools and take great pictures.
I could tell that the tourist was in awe of nature. I, too, was mesmerized by its beauty. We wasted no time and slipped into the cool, refreshing water; it was pure bliss.
Beyond this pool, the open ocean awaits, and you will be amazed by its vastness. Although it can be a bit crowded here, there is still plenty of room to roam and dip into the pool.
These ancient, unique rock formations are amazing, and it's as if they're balancing rocks.
Life vests are available for rental at the entrance to ensure safety. Although some tourists may consider taking small jumps, it's important to exercise caution and assess the area for safety beforehand. Additionally, it is advisable to wear aqua shoes, as the rocks can be sharp and slippery.
Be cautious near that wave; it's the edge of the rock formation. You may slip, as it is extremely dangerous and quite profound. Interestingly, there are no waves beyond this point; see how calm the sea is.
We are standing and walking on the largest flat rock formation, and it's absolutely amazing. This breathtaking sight can only be seen during low tide, making it the perfect time to visit. This is not a sand but a flat rock. How amazing!
After our adventure at Magpupungko, we made our way to the Maasin River, which is just a short drive inland from General Luna. Known for its winding path, we arrived there in just a few minutes, but as usual, the place was crowded with tourists. At the entrance, a sign reads, "Welcome to Litik Maasin River." This name carries a long history dating back to the Spanish Colonial era, but we're here to enjoy ourselves and have some fun.
Many visitors come to see the iconic bent coconut tree rope swing, but unfortunately, it was washed away during a typhoon in early 2023. However, the river itself remains beautiful despite the storm's aftermath.
Here are the activities you can enjoy at this location.
Aren’t those blue canoes just wonderful? They’re so beautiful and really catch the eye!
It's amazing that there are no colors other than bright blue canoes. They are wonderful and easily visible. This is the spot where you embark and disembark from the boats.
You can kayak through the calm, emerald waters while enjoying the lush green canopy of foliage and observing the diverse plant and animal life. This experience brings back memories of my high school days and the discussions we had in science class about nature.
This is the entrance to the jumping platforms, which are made of wood from the stairs to the planks. Many children and adults want to experience jumping into the river below.
While appreciating the beauty of this place, I find that the absence of activities, such as the thrill of the rope swing, allows this river to offer a serene escape and provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature's tranquility.
In conclusion, our day trip to Magpupungko and Maasin River showcased the diverse appeal of Siargao. It’s not just a destination for surfing and island hopping; it’s an island filled with natural wonders that cater to every kind of adventurer.
Thank you so much, and have a wonderful day ahead. XoXo!
Lead image edited thru Canva Edu Lifetime