The month of March is always a jubilant time not least because children across the country can let loose for a few weeks as school holidays set in. Coinciding with this mini-vacation each year is Malaysia’s most popular airborne event, which see the skies over the administrative capital break out in brilliant colour for four days with the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
Also known as MyBalloon Fiesta, this annual event has become a fixture on the Malaysian calendar since 2009 and has since drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors with its flurry of activities and attractions.
Floating On Air
Making its way to Putrajaya once again will be a fleet of unique hot air balloons, the more striking of which include Little Pirate from the US, Big Hug from Brazil, Deerling from Canada, as well as Stuart the Minion and Lighthouse, both from the UK. Witness them inflate and rise up early each morning!
Purchase tickets to gain access onto the launching field for a closer look at the inflation process, and perhaps talk to the international pilots. You can even experience lift yourself with the tethered balloon ride, which is available on a per-basket pricing basis and takes passengers to a height of 6o feet for several minutes. Alternatively you can go the whole nine yards and opt for the Exclusive Putrajaya Fiesta 2020 Hot Air Balloon Flight, which gets you a 30- to 45-minute flight over Putrajaya, and other goodies such as breakfast, and a time-lapse video of the experience!
Back on the ground, the Fiesta Zone, Fun Zone and Kids Zone among others brim with such fun activities as bull riding, reverse bungeeing, orbing and much more. There’s no shortage of food zones at the event too.
Finally, the stunning Night Glow show on Saturday and Sunday evening features fiery inflations and balloons illuminated in sync with catchy music to dazzling effect against the inky backdrop. Grab access tickets to get right up to the action! Accompanied by fireworks, it’s the perfect way to cap off an exhilarating day.
Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
WHERE Precinct 2, Putrajaya
WHEN 6.30am-8pm (19-20 Mar), 6.30am-9.30pm (21-22 Mar)
ADMISSION Free (selected activities and events are charged)
myballoonfiesta.com