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.

Fact: Raising the air temperature inside the envelope makes it lighter than the surrounding (ambient) air.

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Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)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

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.

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 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!

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!

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.


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 pilot doing last minute check ensuring the burner is working properly.

Fact: 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).

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 pilot.

Updates! Girl is Wendy Wong and guy is Joshua Teoh. Thanks to Suki for the heads-up :)

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.

Pilot Landing

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?

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

Unwrapped The Darth Vader

Note: My unseen and unpublished works (March 18th, 2011)

It's a heavy duty work.

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!

Fact: 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.

I'm proud of you, mom!

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.


Lately, I've been spending too much time 'playing' with Facebook. Earlier, I got an E-mail invitation to join the Facebook madness. So, I set up an account just for the fun of it. Within days, I was spending at least two hours a day checking up the latest updates and also events invitation. I'm a late Facebook person. But I was hooked. Hardcore fan ever since. There are too many things to do on Facebook. You might ask "How many people are on Facebook" Over 600 million worldwide

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!

Last updated March 19th, 2011 (2:32 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:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Putrajaya

By Car using GPS Coordinates:

+2° 55' 25.45", +101° 41' 3.91" or

2.923736, 101.684420

It does get packed and crowded over the weekends, so parking is always difficult to find. The FREE PUBLIC parking bays are located beside the lake, opposite National Registration Department aka Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara building in Precinct 2.

A = Parking Bay, B = Fiesta Ground. Here's the Google Mapping:

http://tinyurl.com/4n5sajj

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

Email: info@myballoonfiesta.com

These thumbnails are screenshots. Click link to download.


Note: Itinerary are obtained from myballonfiesta. PDF file is hosted in Hotfile.

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
  • A tethered balloon ride is when the balloon is tied to the ground with three or four very strong ropes to keep the balloon from flying away.
Helicopter Rides:

RM120, 3 passengers per ride

Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Google Maps:
Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Things To Do/See:

  1. Ride Tethered Hot Air Balloon
  2. Helicopter Rides
  3. Paramotor Fyling Demonstration
  4. Kite Flying Demonstration
  5. Paper Airplane Flying Demonstration
  6. Shpere Rides
  7. Waterball rides
  8. Lake Cruise by Cruise Tasik Putrajaya
  9. Bazaar
  10. Petting zoo
  11. Archery
  12. Go-kart
  13. Inflatable Rides
  14. Drawing & Coloring contest
  15. Marching Band

Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta - Read More/Useful Links:

  1. http://www.myballoonfiesta.com/ (Official Portal of Putrajaya Balloon Fiesta)
  2. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146415607524 (Facebook Group)
  3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon (All About Hot Air Balloon)
  4. http://wikitravel.org/en/Putrajaya (Wikitravel Article About Putrajaya)
  5. http://tinyurl.com/yfwu6gg (Read All My Articles About Putrajaya)
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shloke
Traveling & photography are the most rewarding & enriching experiences in my life. Photography is all about discovery, enjoying myself, having adventure, learning people & nature. The greatest experience for me is the connection I felt with NATURE. If you haven’t seen Malaysia, you haven’t seen the world! My photography works are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported.
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