Siargao Island: Magpupungko Tidal Rock Pools

Magpupungko Rock Pools is one of the most popular spots to explore when in Siargao Island. The rock pools are exposed during low tide and definitely one of my favorite places to spend hours. Local transportation in the area uses a motorized tricycle and the tidal pools would be about forty-five minutes to one hour ride from General Luna. 

Entrance/Environmental Maintenance Fee: P50 or $1.00

Tourist Guide Fee: Discretionary (but definitely would recommend that you hire one for your group)

Motorized Tricycle Fee (to and from): P200-300 or $4-6 (group of 5) 

Also available Rental/ Tourist Van in Siargao Island.

Tip: Visit Magpupungko Tidal Pools during LOW TIDE

The timing of your visit is important and we recommend going to the area two hours before low tide. The Magpupungko rock pools are exposed during low tide and submerged at high tide. Please make sure to ask locals about the time slots for low tide.  If you are an hour or two late, it may ruin the entire experience for you.

Tip: Bring a Dry Bag for your belongings

There will be no place to put your cameras and belongings. Everything is soaked around the area so best to bring your dry bag with you.

Tip: Borrow a Life Jacket (may cost P100 or $2)
 If you are not a great swimmer, best to borrow a life jacket because some areas in the pools are deep, some are shallow but you would not miss the fun, right?

Tip: Give a generous tip to your tour guide. 

They are very kind and nice and willing to help you have the best experience in Magpupungko Rock Pools

FOOD!

Do not worry about food. Close to the entry point, there are local stores who will cook for you. Servings are for sharing and very light on the pocket. Price range per order is P150-250 or $3-4. Your $20 budget for food can get you a long way.

Magpupungko Tidal Rock Pools should be on your itinerary when visiting Siargao Island. You would never want to miss this magical place!

Casa Roca Inn -- Must try Restaurant in Camiguin Island!

During our recent trip to Camiguin Island, we had no itinerary. This is my second visit in Mambajao, the first one was ten years ago! 

We were tired and terribly hungry from the 1 hour barge travel from Balingoan Port and about 3 hours after our last meal and luckily we found this charming Casa Roca Inn.

We were hesistant to go up the reception because they may not allow walk in customers for their bar and restaurant. We were happy they were so nice and accomodating and let us in. One would be surprised that this seemingly remote Resto is packed and all tables were taken in the main restaurant. Asian, White and Filipinos flooded the place.

Alas, we were seated in a table just outside the resto. There were 5 of us. We had a nice view of the sea.

True enough, the meals were exquisite, fresh and homemade. It took a while for the food to be served but definitely was worth it!

The serving is huge for one person. But you just can't stop. The food was really good. 

Mango Chicken

This is the plate I ordered: Mango with Chicken and Tomatoes. Tastes like summer in the sandy beach. Very refreshing and I'm definitely coming back for this!

Asian Mixed Seafood

My friend ordered Asian Mixed Seafood. This is a huge portion of local seafood, fresh catch!

Mango Float

Choco Fudge

Reviews said that Casa Roca Inn's Mango Float is to die for. We find it okay! But what really caught our fancy was this Choco Fudge. It was a unique mix of Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Brownie. 

You would not want to miss this to complete your delightful meal at the Casa Roca Restaurant.

Waiting Lounge at Casa Roca Inn

Casa Roca Inn is a must visit when you happen to travel to Camiguin. Never ever skip it!

xo,

Therese