Plummeting through the air off the top of a 421m tower is not everyone’s idea of fun, but for these base jumpers it was an experience of a lifetime.

Some 98 of the extreme sports enthusiasts took part in the 2009 International Tower jump in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today.

The structure was built in 1995 for communication purposes and is currently the fifth tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Professionals from 18 countries gathered for the opportunity to hurl themselves into the sky before parachuting down to earth during the event.

Base jumping started in the 1980s after several sky jumpers modified their equipment for an increased thrill.

The sport involves wearing a parachute and jumping from fixed objects – with the word ‘base’ standing for the four categories of surfaces from which you can jump: buildings, antennas, spans (bridges) and earth (i.e. cliffs).

The first base jump in Malaysia was held in 1999 and the annual event continues to draw huge crowds and increasing numbers of participants.