A Malaysian Photo And Travel Blog

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.

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!

Fact: 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.

A pilot 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!

Fact: 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Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)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 ｡◕ ‿ ◕｡

A radio deejay from a local station enjoying his balloon ride.

A different type of balloon ride - without the typical squarish basket.

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?

One of the three crew members guiding a hot air balloon.

Fact: 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.

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!

Updates: This is the Lion Head Balloon piloted by Reck Jean-Marie from Paris

Crew members from France lifting up a teardrop shaped hot air balloon. It takes less than 10 minutes to generate a lift.

Fact: 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.

Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)

It's a heavy duty work.

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. I have plenty of beautiful shots to share with you! Stay tune for more exclusive travelogue and pictures!