Rusty steel wires clutch rotten wooden planks and you wonder if these can hold your heft. You struggle to reach a railing which is far apart as the wailing wind shakes the rickety walkway. As you steady yourself you get a view of the forest floor, it is a long way down. And then you set your eyes on the other end there is still a long way to go. But fear creeps in so you crawl on all fours to complete the ordeal!
Seriously, there are bridges that you enjoy getting into and there are those that thrill-seekers would love to cross. Here in the Philippines, there are scary bridges that the adventurous cannot resist, we dare you to check this out and include in your bucket list.
Tigbao Hanging Bridge
Credit to twopenguinsonedream.com
Tigbao Hanging Bridge in Bohol is recognized as one of the most remarkable bridges in the world. It was meant to be a footbridge connecting 2 barangays but its unique characteristic made it a top tourist attraction.
It is suspended 25 meters above the Loboc River and shudders back and forth as people tread on it. Even the bravest of thrill seekers will get goosebumps when he crosses the bridge. The structure tricks the eyes the top tier is made of bamboo while the underlayer is built with metal. This gives the impression that the passage is shaky, slippery, and fragile that will make crossing bumpy even for “Indiana Jones.” Some tourist chicken out while the fearless ones screamed for their lives while traversing the bridge.
CNN considered the Tigbao Hanging Bridge as one of the 13 most spectacular footbridges in the world.
Tibag-Sabang Bridge
Credit to pinayontheroad.com
Tibag Sabang Bridge is located at Barangay Zabali in Baler, Quezon and intersects the Tibag-Sabang River where it got its name. Before crossing the bridge never ask the locals if there were people who fell, you might get dismayed by their answer.
The look of the bridge will give you butterflies this is not for the faint-hearted. It is a long hanging bridge, the railings are far apart but gets closer in the middle and made of rusty steel cables, the floor is built with more rusty steel cables that grip old wood planks laid haphazardly over a wire mesh. When you reach the middle strong gusts of wind sways the bridge.
Are you still interested to cross? I can suggest 3 ways, take baby steps or crawl or a combination of both.
After surviving the nightmare, you have to deal with going back the same route. Dang!
Hanging Bridge near Bontoc
Credit to banaue.info
The hanging bridge is located in Bontoc, the capital city of the Mountain province, right in the town center. There are breathtaking views all around that will blow you away; vegetation and the wonders of nature serve as a backdrop.
However, the look of the bridge will send chills to your bones. There is a big gap between planks, railings appear fine, but the footing on the planks seem uncomfortable. The view below shows rocks, you can imagine your condition when you drop. People who crossed this death trap might be off their rockers.
But if others can do it so can you. Let’s get on with it and see you on the other side to enjoy the other things that the place has to offer.
Agas-Agas Bridge
Credit to insights.looloo.com
Agas-Agas Bridge is located in Barangay Kahupiab, Sogod, Southern Leyte. Towering 84 meters it is supported by 2 piers from the ground and considered to be the tallest bridge in the Philippines.
Sundecks were installed on top of the 2 piers to provide a viewing platform for tourists to witness the magnificent engineering landmark and its lush surroundings. Extreme sports enthusiasts will have a fun time with the array of activities in store for them like bungee jumping, zip lining, rappelling, downhill skateboarding, cable car and other extreme sports.
In case you get hungry there are restaurants that dot the place.
Ambuklao Hanging Bridge
Credit to Jon B via looloo.com
The construction of the bridge seems sturdy, 290 meters long, and can accommodate 10 people at a time. The base is made of welded steel rods, wire mesh at the side protects people from falling when the bridge sway. At the top are thick steel rods which carry the load, steel wires are latched to the base and the top.
As you progress the bridge becomes shaky. Witness the waters of the Ambuklao Dam from above and smell the rotting stench of sulfur from the nearby Daclan Spring.
Remember to pray before you cross and bring along lots of courage you’ll need these. See you on the other side, I hope!
Sources:
https://filipiknow.net/scariest-bridges-in-the-philippines/
https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2011/01/tigbao-hanging-bridge-bohol-getaway-day-1/
https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2011/11/aurora-hanging-on-for-dear-life-at.html
https://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2011/11/agas-agas-bridge.html
https://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2011/11/agas-agas-bridge.html
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