Popular bungee jumping destinations for adrenaline junkies who are seeking to measure their leaps of faith against the best in the world.
Macau Tower, Macau, China
For bungee jumpers who believe in higher the better credo, the Macau Tower in Macau, China is the perfect destination to visit. Known as the ‘Vegas of China’, Macau is, in many ways, an epicentre of glamour; but for adrenaline junkies, it is its popular 764 foot Macau Tower that is the magnet. Also known as the AJ Hackett after New Zealand entrepreneur Alan John Hackett made a 233-metre jump earning him a Guinness world record as the ‘highest commercial bungee jump’ in 2007, this Tower offers 17 seconds of sheer thrill with every jump.
Verzasca Dam, Ticino, Switzerland
This destination is not for those who are afraid of heights or the dark. While the Alps itself is known to present several exciting sites for bungee jumpers, it is the Verzasca Dam that has remained the most popular. Also known as the Contra Dam and the Locarno Dam, it is an arch type dam located on the Verzasca River in the Val Verzasca of Ticino in Switzerland. This dam came under the popularity chart after a stuntman jumped off the dam in the opening scene of the film ‘Goldeneye’. Canton of Ticino is, indeed, a travel buff’s destination. It presents an interesting part of Switzerland, surrounded by Italy on all side. Its naturally beautiful vistas and the mild climate make it ideal for walking, biking or even simply driving.
Bloukrans Bridge, Western Cape, South Africa
The Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge; it is the highest commercial natural bungee jumping destination in the world, offering 790 feet freefall. Located near Nature’s Valley in Western Cape, South Africa, it was constructed in the early 1980s above the Bloukrans River. Experienced bungee jumpers and travel aficionados recommend this Bridge for the thrill of leaping and also for the bridge walk, as it’s surrounded by South Africa’s wild jungles. Western Cape is the most mountainous and the most beautiful of South Africa’s provinces. The Bridge itself is well connected from Cape Town by a range of bus services.
Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, USA
The Royal Gorge Bridge, a top tourist attraction near Canon City, was the highest bridge until 2001 when that title went to Liuguanghe Bridge in China – it was the world’s highest suspension bridge until the opening of Beipan River Guanxing Highway Bridge, in China, in 2003. It is still the highest bridge in the United States and one of the top attractions for diehard bungee jumpers. The bridge itself is within the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, a 360-acre amusement park, located along the edge of the Royal Gorge around both ends of the bridge. At 955 feet above ground level, this bridge provides the best experience of diving into a gorge with steep rocky mountains on the sides and the striking waters below. But bungee jumping here is purely by invitation and is open only during the annual three-day Go Fast Games event.
Rio Grande Bridge, Taos, New Mexico
The Rio Grande Bridge offers views and thrills that make it a sensorial experience for bungee jumping enthusiasts. The bridge, locally known as the ‘Gorge Bridge’ or the ‘High Bridge’ offers a jump of 680 feet; however, this opportunity is only available once a year. Located outside of Taos, it presents a panoramic view of the long, narrow canyon. From the top of the bridge, the river becomes an eye-grabbing silver line, reflecting sunlight at the bottom of the rugged V-shaped chasm.