Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon

Please click here for photos taken by yours truly (KC). click Slideshow, click F11.

Work in progress to inflate this balloon

Full flame (steam) ahead !

Okay, we have a lift-off

Peacock on a tree -- different shape of hot air balloons

Your truly (KC) posing in front of a clown-shaped hot air balloon

Up! Up! And Away!

Flying high above the signature bridge of Putrajaya -- Seri Wawasan Bridge

The folks in Kuala Lumpur are truly lucky. Other than the world-class Formula 1 car racing event in Sepang, and other than the international fireworks competition in Putrajaya, now we have the first International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2009 in Putrajaya.

This event was organized by Malaysian Sport Aviation Federation (MSAF) and AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd held from 19 to 22 March 2009 in Putrajaya.

It was a superb timing that during that one week, it was dry. Prior to that, it has been raining almost everyday and flooding of certain low-lying areas was frequent in Kuala Lumpur.

According to the itinerary, the flying of hot air balloons was scheduled twice a day: morning session at 7:30 a.m. and the evening session at 6:00 p.m. In between these two main events, there were the children colouring contest, hot air balloon ride with parents, para motor showcase, remote control flying aircraft display, etc.

The takeoff off site was located at a football field at Monumen Alaf Baru of Precinct 2. While the flying area, though it is borderless up in the sky, it was recommended a 5km radius from takeoff site and preferably, not more than 1000 feet in height.

Most hot air balloons were in teardrop shape (somewhat expanded sideway at the base) with a wicker basket (that can carry a few persons) tied to the tip for flying. Other than the bright and vibrant colour of the balloons, some are in special shape such as mug, bird, elephant, battery that adds variety to their gigantic presence.

On Sunday 22 March, I was there witnessing the final event. After ascending into the sky, the balloons could not be seen with my naked eyes. Could they fly higher than 1,000 feet? I was puzzling that how could the balloons come back to the original takeoff site? According to the official website, there is ample land in Putrajaya that is suitable for landing. Does it mean that the hot air balloons do not fly back to the original starting ground?

Click here for official website.
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Beautiful sunset (while on the way home after the hot air balloon fiesta)

Time: 7:20 p.m., Sunday 22 March 2009
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Written by KC
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