Bungee jumping isn’t a sport for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights but it can be a thrilling experience if you are willing to take the plunge. Bungee jumping is defined as “jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord.” When the person jumps they experience the thrill of free falling until the cord reaches the end then it stretches and the jumper flies up and down again as the cord snaps back and forth until all the energy is used up. If bungee jumping is something you would love to do why don’t you try bungee jumping in
New Zealand
Bungee jumping was invented in Queensland, New Zealand in 1988. There are several sites in both Queensland and Auckland to bungee jump varying from beginner jumps to the “ultimate personal challenge” but the Kawarau Bridge is billed as the “birthplace of bungee” and will plunge you 43 meters (140 feet) from the bridge into the river below. You can even take the river dip option and submerge yourself at the end of your fall.
Ticino Switerland
Home of the 007 Bungee Jumping Center where you can recreate the jump James Bond made from the Varzasca dam in “Goldeneye”. Located in the Ticino Valley the bungee jump from the dam plunges 220 meters (722 feet) and if the jump isn’t thrilling enough the scenery is fantastic with the Alps on one side, a lake on the other and the river below. Ticino is rated as the best bungee jump in Europe.
Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa
Jump from the highest single span arch bridge in the world, the Bloukrans Bridge located in the Western Cape of South Africa. This jump is also in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest commercially operated bungee jump in the world. So if you are brave enough to take the 216 meter (710 feet) plunge you can secure bragging rights to having made the highest bungee jump possible, that is if you don’t count the Macau Tower jump.
Macau Tower
If you want to experience the thrill of bungee jumping combined with the sensation of a base jump, the Macau Tower Bungee jump is for you. The Macau Tower is 338 meter (1098 feet) but jumpers leap 233 meters (757 feet) and experience a mini sky jumping free fall for a few seconds before the bungee cord pulls you back to reality. The Macau Tower jump is billed as the Worlds highest bungee now and is 17 meters (47 feet) higher than the Bloukrans Bridge jump.
Volcano Bungee in Pucun, Chile
Probably the most dangerous and also the most expensive bungee jump you will ever make at $9,995 US per jump, this could also be the ultimate bungee experience. You jump approximately 108 meters (350 feet) from the skid of a hovering helicopter into the mouth of an active volcano. The price includes not only the bungee jump but white water rafting, meals and a 5 night stay in Pucun.
If you are still looking for more bungee adrenaline, try jumping the 111 meters (360 feet) off the Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe. Hang out over the Zambezi River and enjoy a unique upside view of the falls.
Bungee jumping is a high risk sport. It is not for the faint hearted or people who are afraid of heights or have health problems. You must be brave and willing to take the plunge because once you are harnessed up and ready to go, backing out it not an option. It is truly a fantastic sensation that only last for a few seconds but is an adrenaline rush worth every penny.
