A 900 meter bridge over stunning scenery in Abra

A tricycle passes through the 900 meter Calaba Bridge

A steel bridge as a tourist attraction? One might think of the Calaba Bridge in Bangued as such but this 900 meter span of steel connecting the towns of La Paz and Bangued and completed in 2010 is one of the best places to appreciate the ruggedness and beauty of Abra.

The Abra Valley is one of the most scenic in the country, a province that is not really under tourists’s radar. It is rugged, populated by a hardy but friendly people and if you chance to visit its mountains and waterfalls, you’ll fall in love.

I spent a few days in Bangued to rest as well as explore after a three day trek in the hinterlands of Tubo. Of course, I’ve been in the provincial capital before for a coffeetable book project, in my first visit and toured briefly a friend for the second. But it was only in this third time that I appreciated more Abra.

What always comes to mind when I think of the province, is its really beautiful and wide rivers set against a rugged backdrop. And Calaba Bridge offers this kind of stunning vista. It acts as a view deck giving you almost 360 degree view of the scenery.

If you’re there early in the morning or late afternoon, be prepared to be stunned at such a beautiful natural scenery. Breathtaking is an understatement. No words can fully capture what you will see. During late afternoon, students going home or farmers leading their livestock are dwarfed in the panorama. And you just want to linger more and take in the whole vista.

School children called out my attention. I happily obliged to photograph them

View of Calaba Bridge from the banks of the Abra River

Man's livestock probably going home from work — Man’s livestock probably going home from work

Its a stunning spread of the Abra River, valley and the mountains beyond

LIke a split photo, Calaba bridge at the left and the beautiful and wide Abra River at the right

My gratitude to Vice Governer Chari Bersamin for giving me this opportunity to explore Bangued and Abra. To Elric and Edmar who were my companions in exploring wild Tubo and around Bangued.

HOW TO GET THERE From Bangued, hire a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Calaba Bridge. Do negotiate for the fee.