FIRE IT UP!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:52 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 110
A crew member holding the envelope (A.K.A. balloon's bag). Modern hot air balloons are usually made of light-weight and strong synthetic fabrics such as ripstop nylon, or dacron (a polyester).
Can you see the flame? The flame is directed into the mouth of the envelope.
BIGGER & FULLER!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:51 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
I was standing right next to the burner. It was loud and hot! But it was an amazing up close and personal experience. The balloon was expanding to its teardrop shape.
Raising the air temperature inside the envelope makes it lighter than the surrounding (ambient) air.
Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)
The bunch of balloons remind me of Toy Story. ♫♪ "You've Got a Friend in Me" ♪♫
Levi's and friends
Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)The bunch of balloons remind me of Toy Story. ♫♪ "You've Got a Friend in Me" ♪♫
"Houston, We Have A Lift Off"
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:07 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is my favorite shot! Look at the burner!!! The burst of flame is simply INSANE! You can hear the thunderous sound repeatedly....BOOM! BOOM!
The burner unit gasifies liquid propane, mixes it with air, ignites the mixture, and directs the flame and exhaust into the mouth of the envelope. The pilot actuates a burner by opening a propane valve, called a blast valve. The burner has a pilot light to ignite the propane and air mixture. The pilot light may be lit by the pilot with an external device, such as a flint striker or a lighter, or with a built-in piezo electric spark. Source: WIKIPEDIA
In Total Control
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:46 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This lady was controlling the propane valves on the two burners.
Getting Ready
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:57 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.3, ISO Equiv.: 200
A participant positioned the burner carefully to ensure the flame was directed to the envelope (mouth of the balloon). He is a PRO! He makes this look so easy. Believe me it isn't!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:43 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
MEGA HEAT! Look at the crew member (green colored T-shirt). He also cannot 'tahan' the heat!
Burners vary in power output; each will generally produce 2 to 3 MW of heat (7 to 10 million BTUs per hour), with double, triple, or quadruple burner configurations installed where more power is needed.
Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)
This is the real thing! Up close and personal ｡◕ ‿ ◕｡
Gimme More Propane!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia Time: 7:43 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
MEGA HEAT! Look at the crew member (green colored T-shirt). He also cannot 'tahan' the heat!
Burners vary in power output; each will generally produce 2 to 3 MW of heat (7 to 10 million BTUs per hour), with double, triple, or quadruple burner configurations installed where more power is needed.
Pump it UP!
Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)This is the real thing! Up close and personal ｡◕ ‿ ◕｡
Safety First
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:52 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
Another participant doing last minute check ensuring the burner is working properly.
The amount of lift (or buoyancy) provided by a hot air balloon depends primarily upon the difference between the temperature of the air inside the envelope and the temperature of the air outside the envelope. For most envelopes made of nylon fabric, the maximum internal temperature is limited to approximately 120 °C (250 °F). Source: WIKIPEDIA
Sweltering Hot
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:19 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
A sweltering day. It was only 8:19 a.m. By afternoon, it was SCORCHING HOT!
Pre-Wedding Surprise!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:21 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
This couple was having their pre-wedding shots in Putrajaya. They were invited for an impromptu surprise ride by one of the participant.
Up, Up & Away!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:26 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
I wish I was the person in the basket! Hello...it's mylo time..OK??
On The top Of The World!!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:25 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A radio deejay from a local station enjoying his balloon ride.
Gigantic Levi's Jeans
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:13 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A sexy pair of Levi's® jeans. A crowd puller!
Under My Levi's® Jeans
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:41 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A naughty shot ;)
Say "CHEESE"
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:38 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 160
A different type of balloon ride - without the typical squarish basket.
Look Ma! I Can Fly!!!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:39 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
Sigh...I can only see from the bottom (ground level). If you are lucky enough, you'll be invited by one of the participants for a free ride. You need to pay (RM10 for adults and RM5 for children) for public tethered rides. Unfortunately, tickets sold like hot cakes. Gone in less than half an hour.
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:14 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A pilot maneuvering his balloon back to the ground. Can you see the handling or drop line?
Pilot Landing
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, MalaysiaTime: 8:14 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
A pilot maneuvering his balloon back to the ground. Can you see the handling or drop line?
PULL....Harder!!!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:26 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
One of the three crew members guiding a hot air balloon.
A handling or drop line is mandatory safety equipment in many countries. It is a rope or webbing of 20 - 30 metres in length which is attached to the balloon basket with a quick release connection at one end. In very calm wind conditions the balloon pilot can throw the handling line from the balloon so that the ground crew can safely guide the balloon away from obstructions on the ground. Source: WIKIPEDIA
Air It UP!
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:50 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Crew members from France lifting up a teardrop shaped hot air balloon. It takes less than 10 minutes to generate a lift.
The balloon floats because of the buoyant force exerted on it. This force is the same force that acts on objects when they are in water and is described by Archimedes' principle. The amount of lift (or buoyancy) provided by a hot air balloon depends primarily upon the difference between the temperature of the air inside the envelope and the temperature of the air outside the envelope. Source: WIKIPEDIA
Note: My unseen and unpublished works
It's a heavy duty work.
Unwrapped The Darth Vader
Note: My unseen and unpublished worksIt's a heavy duty work.
Up, Up And Away
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 8:31 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is one of the five tethered hot air balloons for public ride.
Kodomo Lion???
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:49 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is the CUTEST hot air balloon in the fiesta. I keep on looking at this balloon. It reminds me of Kodomo Lion toothpaste :) I think Mr. Lion was staring at the photographer. LOL!
Parachute???
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 7:55 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
Looks like a parachute. This close-up shot was taken when the crew members were pumping hot flame into the balloon. Really syiok! You can feel the flame!
The top of the balloon usually has a vent of some sort. This enables the pilot to release hot air to slow an ascent, start a descent, or increase the rate of descent, usually for landing. The most common type of top vent is a disk-shaped flap of fabric called a parachute vent. Source: WIKIPEDIA
Proud Momma :)
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 140
A side event - drawing and coloring contest. Rules? Parents draw pictures, children color. BRILLIANT idea! This event is also a crowd puller.
Dreaming of Michael Schumacher
Location: Precinct 2 - Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Time : 9:59 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A teenager getting ready for Go-kart. This is one of the many side events in the fiesta. I LOVE the vibrant colors in this picture.
A few days ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook group known as myballoonfiesta. As of today, it has almost 8 000 members from Malaysia and across the world. This is the official group for Putrajaya 3rd International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. I spend some time reading the info and wall posting by group members. WOW! I was really excited! This event is an excellent place for photography enthusiast like me. In addition, I always wanted to get up close and personal with hot air balloons.
The next day, I woke up 5:30 a.m. and took my early shower. After that, I proceeded to a mamak stall for a light breakfast. I drove for almost 45 minutes to Putrajaya via LDP highway. It was a smooth drive all the way. The location of the event is adjacent to Ministry of Finance and Putrajaya Millennium Monument (Malay: Monumen Alaf Baru) at Precinct 2. Finding the place is not difficult. I've been to Putrajaya several times.
I thought I was the earliest visitor. But I was wrong! It was 7:15 a.m. But I can see loads of people!!! I was so kiasu. I walk hurriedly to the location. At first, I was confused. The venue was barricaded with movable metal fencing. I saw Rela officers guarding the main and side entrances. So, I approached the Rela officer and asked permission to capture the event live. One big lady gave me a piece of paper and directed me to the organizer booth. I was supposed to hand in my personal details. But I can't find the organizers. So, I just ignored the whole 'black and white' thingy.
There were plenty of photographers on location. I mean LOADS of them! Almost 90% of them were using high end DSLR camera. OMG! These gears are really expensive. I was just a small fry over there. But I was not deterred by my basic Nikon D60. What I need is CREATIVITY :)
I wanted to get as many nice photos as possible. So I walked all over the place...nonstop. At the end of the day, my two legs were really tired! It is really worth the effort. I've captured many beautiful photos...over 172 pieces!
I truly enjoy the up close and personal experience. I was standing right next to world renowned professionals in hot air balloons. It was an unforgettable moment. I can feel the extreme heat released by the balloon's double propane burners. The sound of the firing was so loud! Also, the flame was simply out of the world!!! TOTALLY INSANE!
The photography session only lasts for one long hour. I was trying to find the best photo opportunities. Along the way, I stumbled upon a lovely couple having their pre-wedding shots at the event. One of the participants was kind enough to offer them a free ride. The lucky couple climbed up the balloon's basket. I managed to snap some pictures before a big crowd of photographers surrounded them. The entire place looks like a paparazzi field. LOL!
Later, I decided to explore the rest of the event. I spend another three hours photographing side events such as drawing and coloring competition, mini go-kart, bazaar, Lake Cruise, Millennium Monument and many more. Overall, it was a splendid event - vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
Gosh...this is one of my longest and 'tiring' post. It's already 3:40 a.m.
Remember to stay tune to Part 2 and Part 3. I have plenty of beautiful shots to share with you! Stay tune for more exclusive travelogue and pictures!
Last updated March 18th, 2011 (8:10 p.m.)
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - YouTube Videos:
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
By Bus
1) Take Rapid KL bus number U82 from KL Sentral to Bandar Utama
2) From Bandar Utama, change to Bus U43 to Putrajaya Sentral.
Putrajaya Sentral is the main public tranportation hub of Putrajaya.
Two major bus companies are operating in Putrajaya Sentral - both Rapid KL and Nadi Putra. Rapid KL take passengers from outside of Putrajaya from places such as Bandar Utama, Serdang and Cyberjaya whereas Nadi Putra routes are confined to within Putrajaya.
By Taxis
Coupon taxis from KL Sentral to Putrajaya cost a fixed RM35
For more information, please refer to the following link:
Putrajaya Wikitravel:
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Contact Details, Opening Hours & Itineraries:
Entrance is FOC.
3rd Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
No. 50, Jalan 3/108, Taman Salak Jaya, Salak Selatan,
57100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +6 03 7981 8769 / 7981 8712
Fax: +6 03 7981 8697
Official Portal: http://www.myballoonfiesta.com
Email: info@myballoonfiesta.com
These thumbnails are screenshots. Click link to download.
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta 2011 - Four Days Itinerary (4 Pages, PDF File, 104kb)
About Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides:
- 5 hot air balloons for tethered rides for the public
- Operating hours from 8am – 11am and 6pm – 9pm
- Tickets: RM10 for adults and RM5 for children
- The maximum quantity an individual can purchase is 4 tickets
- Pre Booking Arrangement is NOT ALLOWED due to limited tickets
- Ticket counter opens from 7.30 am for morning session & 5.30 pm for evening session
- Kids only available more than 4 feet
- Tethered Hot Air Balloons Rides will be subjected to weather condition
Helicopter Rides:
RM120, 3 passengers per ride
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Google Maps:
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Thing To Do/See:
- Ride Tethered Hot Air Balloon
- Helicopter Rides
- Paramotor Fyling Demonstration
- Kite Flying Demonstration
- Paper Airplane Flying Demonstration
- Shpere Rides
- Waterball rides
- Lake Cruise by Cruise Tasik Putrajaya
- Bazaar
- Petting zoo
- Archery
- Go-kart
- Inflatable Rides
- Drawing & Coloring contest
- Marching Band
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://www.myballoonfiesta.com/index.php (Official Portal of Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta)
- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146415607524 (Facebook Group)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon (All About Hot Air Balloon)
- http://wikitravel.org/en/Putrajaya (Wikitravel Article About Putrajaya)
- http://tinyurl.com/yfwu6gg (Read All My Articles About Putrajaya)
saw some of them already on your facebook... but well i personally love the proud mama picture... you make me homesick!! i miss my mother >< hey mylo, next year go there early =p hihihi so now i know i have to wake up early for hotballon fiesta 2012 hohoho
Hey good shots. Can't believe you got them up so quickly. I like the "parachute" the best.
haiya mylo , the weather was damn hot!!.how can you tolerate the heat?
Hey Mylo, lovely shots of Day 1! I was just messing around on day 2 and 3. Probably post my stuff much later.
David
Malaysia Asia
This is definitely one of my favorite posts from you. Awesome! Thanks for providing the rich info behind the scenes. I always wanted to go to the International Air Ballon Festival in New Mexico State. Hopefully I will be able to make it there this year! The colors and differnt design of the air ballons are just too fascinate!
Kodomo toothpaste?!
I used to use it (and swallowed it!!)
Ha ha... tasted like sweets, I recalled.
I like the Levi's balloon!
Ha ha... I think that pair of jeans is for ladies!
I missed the event this year. I went last last and it was as great. Only thing was reaching there too late to catch all the exciting moment. Great effort to wake up and reach there so early in the morning! :)
oooohhh i'm still sore about not being able to get in to the compound on sat... guess tat's what i get for not waking up early enuf :( missed the 'interesting' balloons taking off. how high and how long do they go up for do u know? love the parachute???? shot! awesome.
fufu
Really E.A.R.L.Y. :)
foogray
Thanks! I was burning the midnight oil :)
xplorer
LOL! Actually, I cannot 'tahan' the heat. Have to seek shelter once in a while. But natural light is the BEST!
David
Thank you! I traveled to Putrajaya on Day 2 of the fiesta. Love your Putrajaya post!!!
micki
Thanks! You'll love the up close and personal experience. I LIKE Darth Vader, Levi's jeans & Kodomo Lion.
1ondoncaller
You swallowed Kodomo toothpaste? LOL! Sweet & tasty paste :)
I also LOVE the pair of balloon jeans. This is the toughest balloon to control. Two legs!!!
Cecil Lee & Lechua
Really need to wake up early for the photo event.
I think the public tethered balloon can only rise up to 20m - 40m high...constraint by a piece of rope. I'm not sure how high the international balloons can fly.
Cheers to all!
mylo
hi, may i know will there be balloon fiesta next year in putra jaya?
It must have been amazing to watch the hot air balloons up close. Your photos are wonderful. I particularly like the shot of the girl with the hat shadows reflected on her face.
Hot Air Balloon Flight