“You only live once!” is the new mantra of those who push the limits of their experience and conquer their fears through extreme adventures. Bungy jumping is an adrenaline pumping dare that can bring you face to face with your most deep seated fears and enable you to overcome them. The rush is followed by a sense of pride and accomplishment like no other. Despite the nervousness, the doubt and the fear of the unknown, bungy jumping features on the top of the bucket list for every travel lover and adventure enthusiast. The experienced know that they can never get enough of it. For the novices as well as the veterans out there, here is a list of top five destinations for bungy jumping in the world. Maybe it will inspire you to plan your next holiday.
Nepal
“The Last Resort” is the somewhat ominous name given to Nepal’s longest suspension bridge over the Bhote Kosi River. The bungy jumping facility here is very safe and up to international standards. A 160 metre dive headlong into a deep gorge with the roaring river rushing right underneath makes this one of the most scenic bungy jumping locations in the world. The river is entrenched between dense forested hills. The resort in itself is idyllic with tents adequately spaced. You get a feeling of being in the middle of nowhere barring the occasional honk of a vehicle on its way to Tibet. After the high adrenaline pumping adventure of bungy jumping, relax with a hot cup of coffee and a good book or lounge on a hammock in a secluded corner. The tranquil sounds and smells of jungle life are all around you!
Queenstown (New Zealand)
The Kawarau in Queenstown, New Zealand, was the first bungy jumping site in the world and also the country’s longest running. The bridge is at a height of 43 metres above the Kawarau river. In 1988, pioneers of this extreme adventure sport, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch leapt and launched a worldwide phenomenon right here from this bridge. The Kawarau is the mecca of bungy jumping. It is a piece of history preserved in the pristine beauty of New Zealand’s lovely landscape.
The Nevis bungy, also near Queenstown, is 135 metres above the Nevis River. Bungy jumpers are transported to the bridge above the river on high wire pods. The ride to the bridge is enough to make your heart thump with fear and in anticipation. Ledge Bungy is simply breath-taking. Visitors take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, which presents a stunning panoramic view of Queenstown.
USA
The United States boasts of more than 20 world class bungy jumping locations. Take your leap of faith from the “Bridge to Nowhere” between steep canyons and towards rushing waters. Located in the Angeles National forest, Los Angeles, this bungy jumping facility run by Bungee America Inc. is State Licensed and the oldest bungy jumping company in the US. The bridge is surrounded by lush mountains and clean fresh air. While this bridge may not be the highest one to jump from, it requires a trek of 11 miles to reach the spot. This trek through difficult terrain and across river rapids to gain an elevation of 300 metres adds to the thrill of the adventure.
The Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, Colorado, at 321 metres is the highest suspension bridge in the world. Spanning the Royal Gorge formed by River Arkansas, this bridge tempts extreme adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The High Steel Bridge in the state of Washington spans a tributary of the Skokomish River. If you like to bungy jump with impressive views around, this is the place for you. Washington is of full of tall forests and a spellbinding landscape.
South Africa
The Bloukrans Bridge straddling the borders of Western and Eastern cape and overlooking the shimmering Indian ocean is a thrillingly beautiful location for bungy. The drive to the Bloukrans Bridge is amazing. It sets you heart pumping from right when you see the bridge at a distance. The sheer height of the bridge over the gorge is a daunting sight. The adrenalin team of jumpmasters are thorough professionals. They weigh, brief and guide you to the bridge all the while joking and chatting. The walkway opens up the gorge underneath your feet and you get your eyeful of the depth you are going to plunge. This 216 metre jump over the Bloukrans River is the World’s Highest Natural Bungy.
Macau (China)
Macau is a mixture of Portugese culture and an oriental lifestyle. It is also the city of casinos and golf. What makes Macau different as a bungy destination is that you are in the middle of a dazzling metropolitan city, jumping from a modern architectural marvel, the Macau Tower. This is the World’s Highest Bungy Jump. You will fall at a speed of 200km/h from a platform 233 metres high and rebound at 30 metres above ground. If that isn’t the ultimate thrill, what is? Bungy jumpers fall for 4-5 seconds before rebounding a few times and landing on a specially designed airbag. The safety measurements at Macau Tower bungy use two cords: a body harness and a cord tied to the feet. The panoramic view includes Macau’s historic waterfront, the Pearl River and the Macau peninsula.
Bungy jumping is a great way to reclaim your faith in yourself. When you leap, everything seems to have sped up to the speed of lightning and slowed down to a crawl simultaneously. Hurtling downwards with air rushing past you, the mind goes numb and the heart stops beating. The world around you is but a blur! Then the falling stops as suddenly as it started and you are hanging by your feet rebounding in mid-air. Everything suddenly becomes brighter and clearer. It is absolute exhilaration!
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