Magpupungko Feels at the Rock Pools of Rising Sun Beach Resort Manay

I have always wanted to go to Siargao and experience Magpupungko Pools because of it's uniqueness. I have not seen anything like it which makes me itch so much to go but going to Siargao is pretty costly for me and the husband because we need to alight a RORO to reach the island and it is also a long ride and we will need a week to fully enjoy our stay there. That's why we keep postponing our plan indefinitely.

A few weeks ago my sister-in-law shared a Facebook post about a beach resort in Davao Oriental that somehow resembles the beauty of Magpupungko. I'm instantly intrigued and extremely excited because we are heading to Davao Oriental for the holy week, particularly the long holiday weekend.

On Good Friday, the day after our excursion at Pilot's View Beach Resort in Baganga we go on an hour drive to the municipality of Manay in Davao Oriental to experience the rock pools of Rising Sun Beach Resort.

Before reaching the resort we pass by a mini over looking park by the roadside of Manay Highway so the whole gang decide to stop over and take lots of pictures. It's noon time and it's low tide but the view is still picturesque and perfect. An unspoiled coastal wonder sit in front of us in all its glorious beauty. The blue ocean water wows each one of us and I just can't fathom the pride of witnessing it's magnificent beauty. It is serene and very relaxing. I could have stood there on the side of the road and just gaze over the ocean and feel its cool breeze. Nature at its best.

After our short stop over, the gang proceed to the resort in anticipation of the same natural grandeur waiting for us. When we arrive, I immediately have this thought that I may have expected too much. Looking at the entrance gate of the resort has me thinking that disappointment is on its way. The entrance gate looks like a regular house gate and you cannot see the beach from the outside because cottages cover the shore (or what I thought to be the shore).

Upon entering the resort, you are greeted by an elder lady collecting the entrance fee. There is a sign in the gate saying NO ENTRANCE FEE NO ENTER. True to its claim, they will not allow you to enter without paying the entrance fee. After paying you will be greeted by a line of open cottages that block the view of the ocean. Fret not, though, because when you have settled in your chosen cottage you will have endless view of the ocean in front of you.

If you are looking for white sand shoreline, this is not the beach for you. There is no white sand here, just rock pools everywhere. There is not even a shoreline to begin with.

My thoughts on Rising Sun Beach Resort...
- UNIQUE BEACH. There is nothing fancy about the resort amenities or the resort grounds. The real beauty of the resort is the rock pools and water. It is simply an amazing view to look at the crashing waves hitting the rock formations.

- VERY WIDE BEACH!! There may be no shoreline but the beach seems to be endless. You have plenty of space to explore and discover. Rock pools vary in depth and size.

- RICH MARINE LIFE. Good place for snorkeling.

- VERY INSTAGRAMMABLE!!! Because it's not over crowded, you can find lots of space to do your signature poses for your Instagram feed or IG stories or FB My Day.

- LOTS of trees all around the resort!! You can put up a hammock under the shade trees.

- VERY AFFORDABLE!! They offer affordable room accommodations and entrance fee.

- They have space for pitching tent but I am not sure if it is comfortable as the surface is uneven and and hard.

The COMPLAINS I have for this resort are the noisy videoke, no sockets in the cottages, open wash room, limited bathrooms and change room, and the low water pressure. It is very difficult to wash  and change because they only have a common open washroom for everybody (meaning boys and girls wash together). They only have one change room so you either wait in line or find a way to change without flashing anyone. They also have two bathrooms/toilet only and they do not allow washing/bathing in the bathroom because it will clog the drain. Bathroom is only for peeing and pooping use. The water pressure in the wash room is very low that it is close to impossible to take a bath. The noise of the videoke is pretty disturbing especially if the person singing is not in tune. The only consolation is that there is only one videoke situated in the center of the resort ground so if you choose a cottage away from the videoke you won't mind the sound so much. Lastly, the cottages do not have sockets for you to charge your gadgets.

Overall, this resort is still worth the visit especially because of the rock pools and clean waters and marine life. You won't regret travelling all the way to this resort because it is indeed a true beauty. The resort is slowly gaining popularity so better visit it now to enjoy it while it's still not very touristy yet.

Rising Sun Beach Resort Rates and Fees:
Entrance Fee: P10 (adult and children)
Cottages: small P300 / big P500
Rooms: good for 2 - starts at P300 / Family - P1500