ISABEL, LEYTE — Travelers searching for untouched natural beauty in Western Leyte have a pristine destination to add to their itinerary. Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Barangay Apale, Apale Waterfalls stands out as an idyllic hidden gem offering visitors a refreshed escape into nature.
Turquoise Waters And Thrilling Basin Dives
The hallmark of Apale Waterfalls is its striking, vivid turquoise-colored water that cascades cleanly into a deep, natural circular basin. Framed by rugged rock formations and dense local foliage, the natural swimming pool provides a scenic environment for both relaxation and adventure.
Visits to the falls are centered around taking a cool swim in the basin or taking leaps off the surrounding rocky ledges for cliff and ledge diving. Best of all for budget-conscious travelers, access to this natural attraction is completely free to the public.
How To Get There And Visitor Tips
Reaching Apale Waterfalls is relatively straightforward for both locals and day-trippers:
Travel Time: The site is roughly a 21-minute drive from Isabel town proper, or about a one-hour trip from nearby Ormoc City to Barangay Borongay in Isabel.
Trek: From the local activity center, visitors take a short, accessible 10-minute hike along the trail to reach the waterfall basin.
Because the site remains mostly undeveloped to preserve its pristine charm, there are no commercial shops or stores located around the falls. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own food, water, and trash bags to ensure a pack-in, pack-out policy. Securing a local guide is also recommended to easily navigate the trail and ensure safe swimming locations around the deep basin.
