Having the courage to walk with the wind on Sadanga’s skyrise Naben-ngan footbridge is truly overwhelming.

The Naben-ngan bridge, also known as the “bridge of peace,” is an incredibly daring suspension footbridge explicitly designed to shorten the distance between the farm and market road at barangay Poblacion, Sadanga. Although it was not originally intended for tourists, leaving the place without experiencing the breathtaking walk across this 320-meter-long and 180-meter-high bridge seems too hard to ignore.

Just by observing its enormous length and goosebumps-heaving height, you would agree that strolling across it is not for the faint-hearted. The first time I walked on this bridge, I wondered if I would make it to the end! The sound of my heart pounding in my ears was almost as loud as the bass drum on independence day parade.

Summoning all my courage and mental strength, I calmly started my journey. With a smile disguising the mixed emotions inside me, I ventured into the middle of the bridge, feeling the slight sway under my feet.

I felt the wind challenging my resolve. It began with a gentle breeze but gradually grew stronger, tousling my hair in all directions. The bridge swayed from side to side, amplified by the thumping of other people’s footsteps. I clung tightly to the side rails, focused my eyes on the end of the bridge, and fought against the urge to turn back. My mind commanded my shaken body to keep walking.

Amidst this thrilling experience, a laugh escaped me as my mind whispered, ‘You’re safe; there are screen encasement on both sides… and remember to breathe and maintain a steady pace!’ The bridge, despite its height and the gushing wind, is designed with safety in mind. It has sturdy side rails and safety screens on the sides, ensuring that even the most nervous of walkers can enjoy the experience.

When I was three-quarters of the way across, a wave of relief washed over me. I had triumphed over the fear of height that had once held me back. The complex emotions subsided, even as the wind grew stronger. Its coolness refreshed my mind, and I felt my blood flowing normally throughout my body. A profound sense of achievement and warmth enveloped me, reminding me of the power of conquering one’s fears.

My return steps were light as air, and joy filled me as I walked with the weightless wind beneath my feet. Yes! I walked with the wind!  No longer nervous, I crossed the bridge with a genuine smile and a pleasant feeling. I even paused in the middle to savor a panoramic 360-degree view of the surroundings, gazing down upon the trees and a stream hundreds of feet below. The bridge, with its high elevation, offers a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains, the cool wind, and the sound of the stream below.

The thrill is real!

Walking with the wind beneath your feet, surrounded by the serene green vistas of the mountains, allows you to find inner peace. When fog shrouds the bridge in the morning, it becomes an ideal place for meditation. Walking across the Naben-ngan footbridge leaves an indelible mark on your heart, creating a lasting memory.

Did you know…

Before the Naben-ngan bridge was built, farmers had to navigate a treacherous path descending the mountain, crossing a stream below, and then climbing up the other mountain to reach their fields. This arduous journey consumed significant energy and time. The construction of the Naben-ngan bridge was a game-changer, transforming a long, exhausting hike into a distant memory, and significantly improving the lives of the local farmers.