Base Jumping off the KL Tower

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2008

My, oh my. Some experiences only happen once in a lifetime.



(or once a year if you live in Malaysia. . .)

In preparation for a friend from high school's wedding -- Marcus LeMaster, Doug went downtown to visit Marcus and his younger brother, Mike, as well as three other friends of Marcus' who came to KL for the wedding.

We decided to walk over the KL tower -- where it was rumored that people were base jumping off the KL Tower. Imagine a structure about as high as the CN Tower in Toronto, and among the highest buildings in the world.



We were quite surprised as one base jumper landed about 10 feet from us.

But it was nothing compared to paying a few ringgit and getting to go to the TOP of the tower where the base jumpers were jumping off. We were secured in through a harness -- but what an eerie sight looking over an edge -- 330 meters (3 1/2 football fields) down.

Woa!

Can't imagine too many buildings in the States allowing people up on the roof. Benefits to having base jumping being legal in Malaysia for this once a year experience.



(Notice Doug is hanging on MUCH tighter than Mike LeMaster or Marcus LeMaster.)

So once a year Malaysia has a base jumping tour -- where jumpers can come, get the elevator, and jump on a bunch of buildings around the country. Since it is legal, you can get a 100 jumps in. We met one guy who had 27 jumps off the KL tower in just the weekend.



And after signing your life away and getting fit for a harness, it is quite a view to be a few feet from people jumping off a building!