Modern bungee jump goes back to the traditional ritual jump called Ngol or naghol originated from the Pentecost island of Vanuatu.
A tall tower was erected by branches collected from surrounding forest; branches were tied together by forest vines to form a tower over 100 feet tall. The ground below was well prepared to become soft and smooth soil to minimize the impact of the jump when touch-down.
Every year between April and June, in a ritual believed to ensure a good yam harvest, and also to test the courage of young males to step into their manhood, men climbed up to the tower at different heights and then with vines tied to their ankles they jumped to the ground letting their bodies land below at high speed.
Having survived the jump, the jumper stood up and joined the dance with other men on the ground next to a group of semi naked females who were dancing and singing wildly to encourage the next man to jump.