Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta '10

Check out the slideshow if you prefer pictures more than words = )


Balloons inflating on the first day

I first went there on Thursday and bought a ticket for the hot air balloon ride (if you want to buy the tickets you'll have to be really early because they sell like hot cakes). However, due to the windy weather, my ride got canceled for safety reasons. But having waited in line for more than two hours, the management gave us the choice of a refund, or a ride in one of the international balloons the next day!


International balloons

Obviously I chose the latter. The international balloons aren't open to the general public. You have to win contests or be with the media to get the chance. Anyway, the balloons start flying on 8.30am and 5.30pm if I recall correctly. They are on display for about an hour usually. On the first day, they flew freely to wherever the wind took them and on the second day they were tethered for people to ride.


A tethered local balloon

Anyway, I got to ride on the French lion! It was thrilling even though it didn't fly so high up.


Inside the French lion

My favorite balloons were the French lion, the Papillon Orange, both balloons with faces, and of course, Darth Vader!


"I find your lack of faith disturbing"


The orange death star hovered closely beside darth vader

Naturally, having the privilege of being in the international balloon area, I stayed around until the balloons went down one by one.


The anatomy of a hot air balloon

All in all it was a great experience for me because I <3 hot air balloons. Their sheer size and randomness of freedom while maintaining a childlike simplicity amaze me. The international atmosphere is also very welcoming. I'd definitely recommend a visit for any hot air balloon lovers out there. The event runs on for two more days. Today and tomorrow and I think there will be a fireworks show for the final night.



Tethered local balloons for the general public. Tickets are RM10 only but sell faster than Darth Vader can deflate. For those going, have fun!! = D

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