The World's Most Extreme Bungee Jumps

Bloukrans Bridge Bungee (Michiel Van Belder)

What's excitement without a little risk? Right. It's easy to say until you're on a platform, attached only to a string and peering down at the bottomless canyon below your feet. But the rewards are clear: unforgettable views, an unthinkable adrenaline rush and a lifetime of bragging rights, to name a few. Bungee jumping has only officially existed for about 30 years, and since then there have been advancements in safety and technology, as well as countless new sites where you can take the plunge. Until jetpacks are mainstream, this is probably the closest thing to individual human flight that we have (which is, to say, "falling with style"). Where I've Been takes a gander at what will promise to be the most gut-wrenching five seconds of your short life, and all the world's most daring and dazzling jump sites that host it. If you'd like us to talk you from the ledge, we've included some extreme videos as well that just might deter you.

Bloukrans Bridge - Cape Town



Take this to heed, first-time jumpers: If you're going to be terrified, you can at least breathe easy knowing the bridge won't give out behind you. The sturdy Bloukrans Bridge, 216 meters from the ground and located in the Tsitsikamma region, is the highest single-span arched bridge and third highest bridge on the planet. It was, until very recently, also the highest documented commercial bungee jump in the world. But just because Bloukrans lost the record doesn't mean your jowls will flap in the wind any slower or less violently. And if swinging on an elastic pendulum isn't your thing, bungee proprietor Face Adrenalin offers another high-flying activity: The Flying Fox zipline, which takes you 200 meters to the archway of the Bloukrans Bridge.

007 Bungee Center - Ticino, Switzerland

Leave it to James Bond to somehow make bungee jumping even cooler. Adjust your imaginary bowtie and make the jump like Bond did at the end of the opening sequence of GoldenEye, a scene that entrenched Pierce Brosnan in the 007 franchise, as well as a stunt that set a bungee record (220m) and has been called one of the greatest in cinema history. Though it was staged to be in Eastern Europe, the actual filming took place at Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland, and has become a hot destination for wannabe secret agents. And depending on your skill level, the Jump Master may permit you to add a little more style to your jump than the refined Mr. Bond might've preferred--some flips and twists, perhaps. You might leave shaken, but certainly not stirred. (We're done.)

AJ Hackett Macau - Macau, China



Get acquainted with the name A.J. Hackett--he's New Zealand's pioneer of the 'sport' as we know it today, and he's developed a worldwide enterprise of commercial bungee jumps in the most exotic locations you can find, while taking time out to break a slew of Guinness Book records along the way. His newest thrill resides on the roof of the massive Macau Tower in Macau, China, which has now captured the throne of highest commercial bungee jump with a fall of 233 meters. Eek. The unique trait of the Macau jump is the utterly unnecessary technology that puts only a few meters between you and the tower, just enough to where you don't make contact. Don't say we didn't warn you.

AJ Hackett Bungy - Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Being the birthplace of bungee and all, it's no surprise that Queenstown, New Zealand, now hosts quite possibly the widest array of bungee adventures you'll find in one city--almost all of them the brainchild of Hackett, of course. You can test out the 43-meter leap at Kawarau Bridge, the first commercially-available bungee jump ever, which allows you a variety of jump styles, including tandem ones, and the choice of touching the water below (or full-on dousing yourself in it). Those who enjoy even more variety with their insanity might want to head to The Ledge, where jumpers are allowed a running start to attempt any mid-air flips and twists, all with the lights of Queenstown shining below them.

Ultimate Bungy - Nepal

Ultimate Bungy at the Last Resort might take the cake for the most breathtaking scenery offered by a bungee jump. Situated above the raging Bhoti Kose river in a massive tropical gorge, you take your 150-meter leap from a bridge specifically designed for thrill-seekers. On the way down--if you're inclined to look from side to side and not straight down into the depths that beckon you--you'll witness miles of almost untouched, gorgeous jungle that line the Himalayas. We did a quick poll and decided that if you start mumbling the sentence "Oh, I actually just got back from bungee jumping in...," you'll flash the most Hollywood glamour and awe if you end it with "Nepal" or "the Himalayas." It sounds like something Angelina Jolie might do on a little weekend jaunt, no? Where I've Been: We're number one in ego preservation services.