The Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2014 is back again and promising everyone a show to remember. After six years of showcasing some amazing balloons to Malaysians, this exciting event is open to the public from the 27th to the 30th March 2014 and held at Precinct 2 at Putrajaya.
With the recent haze over the Klang Valley cleared, you can expect clear blue skies during this weekend here so if you have nothing much happening, head on over here and bring your families too.
With the recent haze over the Klang Valley cleared, you can expect clear blue skies during this weekend here so if you have nothing much happening, head on over here and bring your families too.
This year, a total of 18 unique balloons from around the world will be on display and among the spectacular shaped ones to look out for are the Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon, a Racing Motorcycle Hot Air Balloon, an Ice Cream Cone Hot Air Balloon and a Heart Shaped Hot Air Balloon.
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Previous years saw many other unique shapes like a Doraemon, a Giant Tree and also A Farmhouse Hot Air Balloon. Based on the public demand, the Doraemon Hot Air Balloon was one of the most popular ones and many are curious on why Doraemon did not make it this time around.
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Previous years saw many other unique shapes like a Doraemon, a Giant Tree and also A Farmhouse Hot Air Balloon. Based on the public demand, the Doraemon Hot Air Balloon was one of the most popular ones and many are curious on why Doraemon did not make it this time around.
Balloonist from the USA, UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Belgium and not forgetting our own one from Malaysia piloted by Mohd. Sobri Saad.
The Malaysian Hot Air Balloon will be a standard type balloon which is green and yellow in color too. There is also a meet the balloonist session therefore you should check with the timing and where they will be.
The Malaysian Hot Air Balloon will be a standard type balloon which is green and yellow in color too. There is also a meet the balloonist session therefore you should check with the timing and where they will be.
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| Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon during the Night Glow in 2011 |
Apart from watching the hot air balloons, there are many other activities that are happening throughout the weekend which include;
Balloon Shows and Performances
The hot air balloon show happens twice daily (subject to weather conditions) and showcases all of the balloons taking part at the Blue Zone launching field. The balloons' flight path depends wholly on the natural wind direction.
For Photographers: Only the first 200 photographers with DSLR cameras will be allowed in the launching field 30 minutes prior to each launch session.
*Unsure about Micro Two Third Cameras so please check with organiser at the information area if you own one.
Night Glow
This is the highlight of every Hot Air Balloon Fiesta every year as it gives visitors the opportunity to see Hot Air Balloons being light up at night as the pilots ignite their burners and transform the launching area into a psychedelic giant light bulbs in the sky.
The balloons are also synchronized to the sound of music and topped off with spectacular fireworks finale. The Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will hold a Night Glow usually on Saturday evening.
Over 20 balloons are tethered to the ground and will commence after the pilots are back from landing sites following the Evening Free Flying Show. The exciting and spectacular show would last up to half an hour.
Based on previous fiesta, it usually starts at 9, first thing you need to know, Hot Air Balloons are subject to weather conditions and spectators are advised to come much earlier to guarantee a good viewing spot. Check out the story on the Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon at the Night Glow.
Based on previous fiesta, it usually starts at 9, first thing you need to know, Hot Air Balloons are subject to weather conditions and spectators are advised to come much earlier to guarantee a good viewing spot. Check out the story on the Darth Vader Hot Air Balloon at the Night Glow.
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| Firing up the hot air balloon |
Helicopter Joy Rides
This is or those wanting an experience of a lifetime where guest can fly around on a R66 helicopter from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. The duration is between 5 and 7 minutes per ride while it will only cost RM130 per person.
Note that the helicopter rides are only available on the 29th and 30th March. Passengers are required to arrive at the counter half an hour earlier before their scheduled flight for safety precaution briefing.
Tickets purchased can only be collected on the day itself at the Helicopter Joy Rides Booth. Priority for flight time will be given to customers who bought their tickets online.
Helicopter Joy Rides are subject to weather conditions. For further safety assurance, the organizer highly encourages a single purchase for children below 5 years old.
Helicopter Joy Rides are subject to weather conditions. For further safety assurance, the organizer highly encourages a single purchase for children below 5 years old.
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
The tethered hot air balloon ride is on a first-come-first-served basis where strictly no reservation or pre-selling of tickets are done.
Numbered tags are given out 30 minutes prior to the opening of the counter and ticket purchase will be available to the first 180 visitors in the queue with numbered tags.
The maximum number of purchase for tickets is only 4 per person. Should the weather prohibit the balloons to take flight, visitors may proceed to the ticket counter and claim for a full refund.
Numbered tags are given out 30 minutes prior to the opening of the counter and ticket purchase will be available to the first 180 visitors in the queue with numbered tags.
The maximum number of purchase for tickets is only 4 per person. Should the weather prohibit the balloons to take flight, visitors may proceed to the ticket counter and claim for a full refund.
Photography Competition
There is a photography contest held during this event and all are invited to join.
How to enter the Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Photo Competition?
- Take a photo during the 6th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta from 27th - 30th March 2014, according to the category you want to enter.
- Head to SAMSUNG booth in the RED ZONE and fill up the registration form.
- Select the photo you want to submit to the personnel in charge together with the registration form.
- Card readers will be available for your easy submission.
Meet and Greet The Balloonist
A chance to meet the international hot air balloonists
from all over the world Get your pencils, notepads and cameras ready as the
pilots from various balloons will be making an appearance at the allocated areas.
Several lucky audience members will even walk away with personal souvenirs from the balloonists.
Several lucky audience members will even walk away with personal souvenirs from the balloonists.
Kids Play Area
For the kids, a play area has been set up where children can go wild with the Inflatable Bouncy Castle, Archery, Car Simulator and also a Choo Choo Train Ride.
Charges apply and all of the attractions are priced differently.
Charges apply and all of the attractions are priced differently.
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Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Map Layout
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Coloring and Drawing Competition for Kids
| Category | Junior Balloonist | Senior Balloonist | |
| Age Requirement | 7 - 9 years old | 10 - 12 years old | |
| Registration Time | 8.30am onwards | 8.30am onwards | |
| Competition Time | 10.00am | 11.00am |
- Entrance is free
- Competitions are held daily.
- Registration Location: Secretariat Booth (Red Zone)
Mountain Dew Extreme Zone
This area is open to all who love extreme activities and suitable for kids and also adults. Try the various activities like Wall Climbing, KMX Bicycles, Bumper Orbing, Hamster Rolls, Water Zorbing, Segway Rides and also Paintball. Charges apply and all of the attractions are priced differently.
Picnic Area
The Picnic Area is the latest addition to the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta's list of exciting activities.
A few meters away from the Blue Zone launching field and adjacent to the Mountain Dew Extreme Zone, lies an intimate area with a stunning view of the Putrajaya lake.
Enjoy exclusive pre-order ‘Balloon & Breakfast’ sets from as early as 6.30 am-10.00 am, complete with a sweet or savory selection of your choice, a freshly brewed refillable cup of coffee – and a free picnic mat.
Make your way towards the ‘Lake View’ picnic zone and pick a beanbag of your choice, brought to you by Picnic Area sponsor, Doof Industries.
Conclusion
Again, it is very recommended to come early if you want to secure a good spot for your parking or even to watch the balloons. Most regulars will come early in the morning or just before 4.00 PM to catch the balloons take off.
The Putrajaya hot Air Balloon Fiesta is probably one of the most successful events in the area of Putrajaya which sees over 100,000 people attending this. They have also branched out to the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in recent years.
The Putrajaya hot Air Balloon Fiesta is probably one of the most successful events in the area of Putrajaya which sees over 100,000 people attending this. They have also branched out to the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in recent years.