Macau SkyTower

Bombs Away: Jumping Off Macau’s SkyTower

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Due to the holiday madness, I neglected to tell you a thing about my glorious time spent in Macau. Other than a cold front that made it quite deceivingly chilly (the eternal sunshine and fact that we were in China would have you think otherwise), it was a great week, with some awesome people. After turning around and traveling 60 hours from Israel, a trip that was less than satisfying, I was weary and, for once, jaded with travel. I never wanted to see the inside of an airplane again. I was ready to hole up under my covers in San Francisco and not come out for six months. I was rethinking my chosen career path. However, I was meeting up with my good pal Joao, who organized the visit so in theory, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

Macau SkyTower jump

Ever since Joao and I went to Rio together two years ago, I was quite aware that one day I would be destined to jump off the Macau Tower with him. There was just no way I was getting out of that. He’s done it more than 15 times, after all. Besides, I talk a big game (that I often back up, true, though my heart is pounding in my throat more than I let on), and when you talk a big game, you’re often made to do things you might not on your own accord.

>Case in point: I’m terrified here and pretty close to wetting my pants (though I blame that more on the fact that the harness was pressing on my bladder in all the wrong spots). But it IS the highest sky jump in the world—coming in at 700 feet—and how often do you get the chance to tackle it? If you recall, I’d taken a stroll around the second highest sky tower in Auckland previously that year, but was saving my death jump for Macau.

Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower
Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower
Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower

Just look at the shadow cast by that bad boy, will ya? Not the least bit intimidating, eh? Possibly the worst/only bad part of the experience was the anticipation. Joao and I were outfitted in these snazzy jumpsuits—tell me I don’t remind you of a character right out of The Royal Tenenbaums—and then led to the tower platform. And then we waited. And waited some more. And started doing the bathroom dance thanks to the harness, as we rethought our plight. And my hair got whipped around in a frenzy. Because, friends, I thought it was cold down at the bottom? Well the bottom had nothing on the frigid temps 700 feet above. But sissy celebs like Charlize Theron and Jay-Z had walked this path before, and I was not about to let them one-up me. I’m all about the competition, always.

And then finally after probably half an hour of waiting, it was our turn. Being the gentleman that he is, Joao let me go first. And let me tell you, it was a looooong way down, but the view wasn’t too shabby. One of the benefits of doing a sky jump (where you’re more or less being dropped down feet first) than a bungy is that you actually get to soak in the scenery a bit (albeit in under 30 seconds).

One, two, three … here goes!

Jumping for My Life: The Sky Tower in Macau
Jumping for My Life: The Sky Tower in Macau

Taking that initial leap was the terrifying part. But one I was free-floating, I was able to enjoy the sprawling city around me.

Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower
Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower
Jumping Off the Macau Sky Tower

Would I do it again? Hell yeah. Would I take a few tequila shots first in preparation? Without a doubt.

Macau SkyTower jump

*All photos courtesy of AJ Hackett Macau Tower and my dear friend Aly Walansky.

Jumping for My Life: The Sky Tower in Macau
COMMENTS
  • January 20, 2010

    eek girl. that is CRAZY.

    if you DO make it on to amazing race, you would SO kick ass.

  • January 20, 2010

    You are my hero.

  • January 20, 2010
    Sarah

    Really, pretty much nothing beats that feeling of “I DID IT!” The last photo captures that sentiment to a T!

  • January 20, 2010

    I’ve been dying to hear about this! Way to go, K!!

  • January 20, 2010

    Fan-f*cking-tastic!!!!!!!!! What a thrill. I bet you were on a buzz for hours afterwards right? 🙂

    Sorry to hear that Israel wasn’t the best trip (your pics were awesome though!). I’m actually headed out there sometime this year…

  • January 20, 2010

    You are totally tougher than Jay-Z. Also: I totally! want to do this.

    I do keep having bungee jumping dreams… It’s a sign! Sort of!

  • January 20, 2010

    SO jealous!

  • January 20, 2010

    Holy Shit! What an amazing view from WAY up there. That is just Way Too Cool! I’m sure I’d go down with a wet spot. I love this. You are awesome girl!

  • January 20, 2010

    I think I just died. Really. Someone should come check.

  • January 21, 2010
    Harriot

    Next time, Hammer pants. And you’re yelling “2 Legit 2 Quit” as you go plunging towards Earth.

    Excellent.

  • January 21, 2010

    Wow, that looks incredible!!! I would love to do that (as oppose to a Bungee jump which I would eat my own arm to avoid doing if necessary!)
    What an amazing view and an awesome experience!!

  • January 21, 2010

    You are INSANE.

    And also, awesome. 🙂

  • January 21, 2010

    Wow. Just the photos are sending me into a mini anxiety attack. I’m not what you would call adventurous. Roller coasters are enough for me!

  • January 21, 2010

    You are a brave, brave girl. I would have ACTUALLY wet my pants (for sure!) BEFORE I fainted.

  • January 21, 2010

    Scary! I have no desire to try bungee jumping. I’d consider sky-diving but I don’t like the idea of being on a rope or next to a building/bridge. I would be more worried about whiplash or being slammed into something than of the actual fall.

  • January 21, 2010

    I think I got vertigo looking at your third picture

  • January 21, 2010
    aly

    i just got a google alert for this and am now feeling all nostalgic. i love you!

  • January 22, 2010

    Sounds fabulous. I want to go!
    BTW, congrats on being nominated for the Bloggies again! 🙂

  • January 22, 2010

    holy @#%&!!!!! you brave and crazy girl. it’s been awhile. i thought i’d catch a wedding planning post…NEVER expected this. Wow, that’s amazing strength and courage.

  • January 22, 2010

    You = badass.
    Australian accents = haaaawt

  • January 22, 2010

    I just saw a kid do that off the SkyTower in Auckland. Not sure I could be convinced to do it as well… even with a couple drinks as preparation. Good on you for doing it!

  • January 23, 2010

    Hells yes! You go girl!

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