The World’s Most Incredible Bungy Sites

I don’t get bungy jumping.

Something about hurtling yourself off an unbearably high platform with what could only be described as a glorified rope tied around your ankles makes me tilt my head in confusion, like a dog when its owner tries to talk to it rationally.

But hey, I also don’t get cricket, quinoa or Game Of Thrones but I can still appreciate the fact that these things make some people deliriously happy.

Having said that, I’ve always admired people who could dive with sharks, ride roller coasters and…well, jump off bridges. I, myself, am a chicken.

Apparently the thrill of bungy jumping is like no other. And since the extreme sport can be dated back to the ancient tradition of vine jumping around 1500 years ago, it’s obviously a thrill worth chasing. In fact, so powerful is the experience of bungy jumping, the adrenaline rush is said to stick around for days.

So whilst I sit here, contemplating the most exciting thing to happen in my day (the new episode of Girls hitting the web) I hope all you non-scaredy cats are inspired by this collection of the World’s Most Incredible Bungy Sites (as told to me by bungy enthusiasts). Maybe it will even encourage fellow scaredy cats to give it a burl.

I, however, will meet you at the bottom.

Search flights to Queenstown

1. The Nevis, Queenstown, New Zealand

It’s not until you free fall for 8.5 seconds from a 134-metre high platform that you can truly say, “been there, done that, got the T-shirt” (which you can literally score after making the jump). The highest bungy in New Zealand overlooks the epic scenery of the Nevis River and surrounding canyon land, and is most certainly not for the faint-hearted. Personally, I’d prefer to admire New Zealand’s beauty with my feet on the ground, but apparently this is pretty unbeatable.

2. Victoria Falls, South Africa

The only thing more adrenaline packed than bungy jumping from a 111-metre high bridge? Bungy jumping from a 111-metre high bridge with crocodile-infested waters cascading below you. That’s right – once you get over the fear of plunging from one of the most infamous bungy sites in the world, it’s the threat of the toothy monsters below that really gets your nerves up. Never fear, the experts at Victoria Falls (who make a living from enthusiastic tourists chasing an adrenaline rush) offer professional and safe high-adventure activities. Keen for more after your modest bridge jump? Nail the trifecta and try a bridge swing and bridge slide, too.

3. Macau Tower, Macau, China

Standing at 233-metres high, this tower of terror was designed and created by the master of bungy, AJ Hackett, in 2006 and offers the ultimate free fall experience from one of the world’s most iconic buildings. There’s no need to worry about coming into contact with the structure itself – the experts developed a first-of-its-kind cord that can be used in nearly all weather conditions, and ensures the jumper doesn’t make contact with the tower. And if you’re up for an extra thrill, night bungy jumping is also available from 6pm in winter and 7.30pm in summer. You know, if you need a little more ‘buzz’.

4. Verzaca Dam, Locarno, Switzerland

If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for us, right? The mind-blowing hydroelectric dam that’s featured in the classic spy thriller, Golden Eye, is arguably the most famous bungy site in the world and boasts a massive 220-metre, 7.5-second drop. Also known as the Contra Dam, the imposing structure is surrounded by wild and fascinating landscape, with a lake on one side and the Swiss Alps on the other. Jump off this baby, and you’ll be worthy of your 007 status forever.

5. Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa

Relish the tranquillity of the stunning Bloukrans River valley; the raging river winding through the spectacular tree canopied landscape and steep ravines…and now remember that feeling of calm as you plummet from more than 200-metres above the picturesque scenery. Playing host to the likes of Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Kelly Slater and the cast of The Amazing Race, this bridge has certainly made a name for itself and there’s no wonder why; the world’s highest commercial bungy bridge is associated with a number of world records and boasts a 100% safety record. Still, if you find yourself chickening out you’re not alone – apparently on average two out of 10 people don’t jump…so you just know the fear is real.

6. The Last Resort, Tatopani, Nepal

You can’t get much more spectacular than this. The Last Resort is located about a 2-hour journey from Kathmandu on top of a gorge close to the Tibetan border. Teetering on the edge of the 160-metre high platform (which makes for the perfect vantage point) you’re surrounded by tropical vegetation and one of Nepal’s wildest rivers raging below. Once you accomplish the longest free fall in the world, keep the adrenaline flowing with the Tandem Swing and white water rafting.

7. Extremo Park, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Extremo by name, extremo by nature. If you find yourself in Costa Rica, pay a visit to this adventure park that boasts an extreme swing, an extreme zipline and of course, an extreme bungy. The highest jump in Central America is a terrifying 120-metres and offers an unrivalled sensation. Before you take the plunge, remember: open your eyes! Take in the breathtaking view of dense, lush forest and majestic valleys. It’s like no other.

8. Niouc Bridge, Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland

You had me at 320 days of sunshine on average per year, Switzerland. Surrounded by picturesque, snow capped peaks and the Navizence River churning below, this jump is pretty remarkable (albeit frightening). The Niouc Bridge offers jumpers the opportunity to leap from one of the world’s highest suspension bridges – because leaping from a stationary bridge is obviously not thrilling enough. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the crisp blue sky as you plunge 190-metres into the deep canyon, and then if you’re really game, do it all again.

9. Europabrücke, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

What better place to conquer your fears than this remarkable bridge among the mountains of Austria? Standing 192-metres high, the bridge supports the Brenner Autobahn that links Austria and Italy across the Alps and straddles the picturesque Wipp Valley. Located on a platform under the centre of the main span, the thrilling plunge is a spectacular way to take in the massive scale of the bridge and the open space below it. BYO: courage.

10. Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, Colorado, USA

Okay, here it is. You asked for it. The Highest Bungy Location on Earth. Nestled in the canyon lands above the mighty Arkansas River, this architectural wonder was the highest bridge in the world until 2001, and is still the highest bridge in the United States. A popular tourist attraction, extreme sport enthusiasts will relish the 321-metre free fall – but can only perform the jump during an annual event in which professional BASE jumpers and bungy jumpers are invited to take the plunge. If that’s not you, be sure to visit the downtown historic district, and even partake in a little rock climbing or mountain biking. The vistas alone will take your breath away.

(Feature: Graham Campbell)