Heli-biking in the Himalayas is exactly what it sounds like: a chopper drops you off at a high-altitude trailhead, and you descend back to civilisation on two wheels.

The Gya La Pass route is a prime example, offering a 7-day adventure (with Himalayan Single Track) that includes the world’s longest downhill trail and a soak in hot springs to soothe your post-ride muscles.

The journey begins with a helicopter flight over the rugged terrain, then you get to pedal your way down insane singletrack trails, weave past sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and valleys that appear as though someone's finally figured out what paradise looks like for real. Every turn is a mix of terror, exhilaration, and the occasional “oh sh*t, I can’t believe I’m doing this,” grunt.

But the descent is not just about the thrill; local villages dot the trail, offering a glimpse of everyday life amidst one of the planet’s most jaw-dropping backdrops.

It’s defs not a ride for the faint-hearted. But if your idea of a holiday is adrenaline and absurd scenery, strap in, pedal hard, and try not to laugh maniacally the whole way down.

Imagine staring down a 1,000-metre cliff and thinking, “Yep. I’m jumping off that.” That’s base jumping in Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen Valley for ya: a heart-stopping thrill ride where you hurl yourself off cliffs and watch as waterfalls tumble, meadows stretch endlessly, and snow-capped peaks flash past in a blur of terror and exhilaration.

Go on, strap on your parachute, take a deep breath, and fling yourself into the air like the cliff just dared you. Your heart is hammering, the wind is howling, and every cell in your body is screaming - perfect. That’s exactly the point.

Touch down safely, grinning like a lunatic, and you’ll immediately start planning your next jump…or at least sending selfies to prove you survived.

This place isn’t for the cautious. It’s for the thrill-seekers who measure fun in freefall.

Unleash your inner daredevil by tackling nature’s own Wipeout course on a canyoneering adventure through the glacial turquoise pools, lush, jaw-dropping canyons and natural water slides of Cebu.

You’ll clamber over rocks, slip into canyon pools, and take leaps that make your knees wobble, and it’s an absolute blast from start to finish. But don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. Your guides keep it light (and safe), but they’re also there to egg you on when you hesitate on the edge.

By the end, you’ll be buzzing, dripping wet, and ready to demolish a post-adventure feast of fried lumpia, chicken, rice, and mango. Head out with Kawasan Canyoneering, and your transport, showers and all entrance fees are included. They’ll even throw in pick-ups if you’re chilling in Moalboal/Badian or Cebu City (depending on the package you go with).

What are you waiting for? Comfort zones are so overrated.

Climbing the Totem Pole is a tall order, but that’s exactly why few people ever attempt to do it. This isn’t a climb you can half-ass; your hands, feet, and brain all have to agree on what’s happening, and your guide is only there to make sure nothing goes tits-up.

The approach usually starts with the Organ Pipes on Mt Wellington - a solid warm-up that tests your skills before you tackle the real challenge. Then it’s straight into the Totem Pole itself: a single, exposed column of dolerite rock, vertical as hell, with the ocean waiting below. Once you’re on it, every move matters. There’s no faking it. But that’s also what makes reaching the top feel like a small miracle.

This is proper adventure, and chances are you’ll remember the feeling of conquering the Pole (and your fears) long after your arms stop shaking.

If regular hiking feels too tame and you don’t have the upper body strength for full-blown rock climbing, walking a via ferrata is your sweet spot – or rather, your iron spot. These “iron paths” in the Dolomites mix mountain trekking with metal rungs, steel cables, and views so outrageous you’ll briefly forget you’re clinging to a cliff face and not enjoying them from a balcony, aperol spritz in hand.

Originally built by soldiers in WWI to move through the Alps without falling to their doom, the routes now offer something far better: a legal way to scare yourself silly while feeling like you’re capable of doing anything. Each step brings both vertigo and victory to the surface, but just think of how great you’ll feel when you clip out at the top. Hopefully, your legs stop shaking before the climb down.

But there’s plenty of routes to choose from, including the Via Ferrata Roda de Vael (a more classic and entry-level one) and the Via Ferrata Poesnecker (difficult for even the most trained of hikers), but regardless of which one you strap yourself into, these aren’t a walk in the park.