Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2011

First timers from India, Hong Kong and Vietnam will be making their debut in the event themed ‘1World, 1Malaysia and 1Fiesta’.

The dates have been set from March 17 to March 20 and held at the Monumen Alaf Baru or the Millennium Monument which is along the Putrajaya Boulevard over in Precinct 2. This is the main street where all the government offices are located at.

Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

*Latest Update (19th March 2011) Hot Air Balloon Putrajaya 2011 Pictures 

Last year’s event managed to attract over 250,000 spectators over the weekend while hoards of photo enthusiast from all over were seen with their heavy camera gear.

I would easily say that every other person I saw there was holding a DSLR Camera. Photography Clubs and groups were seen while families from all over were happily enjoying the event. See my other Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Festival Pictures.

• Balloon Sightings. The timings for the hot air balloons taking off have been set to twice a day which are; 7am – 9am and 5.30pm – 7pm. The balloons will fly no higher than 304 meters while they will keep within a 5 km radius of the event site. Come early to capture the best moments.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides for the public are available at RM10 (adults) and RM5 (children). The rides are located at the main event grounds from 8am-11am and 6pm – 9pm. Note that these rides are where you get in the balloon and lift up to a height of a hundred feet in the air and then back down.

  Each ride lasts about 5 minutes. To avoid the long queues, you are advised to go early and line up to buy the tickets for the rides. I am hoping that the organisers will have more ticket counters open unlike last year.

• Helicopter Rides – For those wanting something different, you have an option of experiencing a helicopter ride around the area. A 15 minute ride will set you back about RM150 per person so if you have never been on one, this is your chance. 
• Photography/Video – If you are planning on doing some photography or video, I would advise that you bring a camera with a good zoom. DSLR Cameras will telephoto or zoom lenses are recommended. A minimum 105mm lens would be great to capture some of the amazing moments. I use a 55mm-300mm Nikon lens so it is quite sufficient.
• Balloons to look out for – Doraemon Hot Air Balloon, Cat Balloon from Vietnam, Darth Vader Balloon, Lion Head Balloon, Elephant and Rose Balloon, Upside down Balloon. 

• 1 World – Balloonists from around the world will be participating in the fiesta. We aim to attract international tourists to Malaysia through the event.
• 1 Malaysia – Fans or spectators from around Malaysia, are all invited to participate and join in the fun at the event.
• 1 Fiesta – Hot air balloons being the highlight of the event, there will also be many activities and entertainment that is conducive for all. 

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Conclusion

The event is well spread over three days and there is quite a lot to do here. There will be an area selling all kinds of hawker food while a bazaar area is also around the same place selling many other items.

If you have never experienced seeing or being in a balloon, you should make a note for March 17-20 and head to the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.