8. Ponte Colossus, Italy
Cult followings are usually related to pop culture, but in the bungee and base jumping world, this is also true of bridges. Ponte Colossus in Italy, aptly nicknamed “Colossus” due to its sheer size, has been drawing crowds of dedicated and newbie jumpers since it opened in 1995. It is an eight-tiered bridge located halfway between Torino and Milano. The center affords jumpers the opportunity to launch into the air from 499 feet — one of the highest bridge jumps available. As you can imagine, this isn’t for the faint of heart.
9. The Pipeline Bungy, New Zealand
If you’re not quite prepared to jump above 400 feet, how about smaller steps with the Pipeline Bungy in New Zealand. Until the late 1990s, this was one of the most popular bungee jumping site in the bungee-crazy region, where you leap off the longest single span suspension footbridge over the Shotover River. For four seconds your heart is either in your mouth or at your feet, as you plummet from the jumping platform into the tumultuous river. Everything’s perfectly fine though, as you say goodbye to the raging waters in exchange for the safety of a boat that takes you back to shore.
10. Macau Tower, China
Picture this: A 1,108-foot high tower and a 764-foot high observation deck where you, bungee equipment securely intact, prepare to take a literally breathtaking leap. The Macau Tower in China is one of those hair-raising experiences that at times have even the most experienced bungee jumpers tentative to try. The equipment used allows jumpers to hop off in practically any weather and they can reach speeds of 200km/hr. Enthusiasts must use what is known as a second generation bungy cord — a sphere-shaped cord that has a larger top than bottom. When jumping from major heights, this evenly distributes the jumper’s weight along the cord’s entire length. This is necessary as 98 feet from the ground, jumpers slow down and are rebounded back up with ease without fear of slamming into the tower.
