It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and the only hot air balloon festival on an island in Malaysia. The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will see numerous hot air balloons by international and local balloonists over the 2-day festival, together with family-friendly activities, creative workshops and more!
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Date: 9 & 10 February 2019
Venue: Padang Polo Penang
Here Are Some Pictures Shot At Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019
Programmes:
Time | Saturday (9 Feb) | Sunday (10 Feb) |
---|---|---|
7am | Event starts with food and handicraft stalls | |
7am | Setting up of balloons for display and tethered rides | |
7.30am – 9pm | Fun Zone: |
|
7.15am | Ticket counter opens (numbered tags given 30mins prior) |
|
7.30am – 9am | Balloon display | |
7.30am – 10.30am | Tethered balloon rides | |
7.30am – 9.30am | Clown appearance / Busking | |
8am – 11am | Cold inflation activity | |
10.30am – 6.30pm | Workshops * | |
5pm – 8pm | Cold inflation activity | |
5.30pm – 7.30pm | Clown appearance / Busking | |
5.45pm | Ticket counter opens (numbered tags given 30mins prior) |
|
6pm – 7pm | Setting up of balloons for display | |
6pm – 9pm | Tethered balloon rides | |
8.15pm | – | |
8.45pm – 9pm | Night Glow Show | |
9pm | Fireworks Display |
Source: Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta’s official website.
FAQs: Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019
- Where exactly is the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held?
It is held at Padang Polo, George Town, 10450, Penang. The GPS coordinates are5.4182277, 100.3075207.
- Is there any entrance fee?
The event is FREE. However, there will be charges for certain activities, as follows:
· Tethered Balloon Ride : RM50 · Cold Inflation : RM5 - Are cameras allowed?
Cameras are certainly allowed during the event. However, the use of drone or helical will require license and approval from the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCA). The organisers will not be responsible for any arising issues related to this equipment. The organisers will also not be responsible for any stolen or missing belongings.
- When is the best time to watch the balloons? What if it rains?
The setting up of balloons will start as early as 7am. It’s best to be there slightly earlier to find a good viewing spot. However, not all balloons will be inflated at the same time, as the timings may vary. The balloons will be displayed from 7.30am – 9am in the mornings and, it will be up by 6pm in the evenings. The final session of balloons on display is at 8.45pm on both nights which is the ‘Night Glow’. All balloon displays are subject to weather conditions, i.e. too windy, too hot and rain will hinder the balloons to be set up.
- What is the highlight of the event?
The highlight of the event is ‘Night Glow’ on the evenings of 9th and 10th February. This is where all the balloons will be stationary at the launching field, and will be lit-up with an accompaniment of music and lights.
- Why can’t I see any balloons in the afternoon or when it’s raining?
Due to our tropical climate, the hot weather does not permit the balloons to be flown or inflated in the afternoon as the temperature is rather high. The balloons require hot air to be blown into the balloon envelope and this poses dangerous conditions for the balloon to be inflated and flown. Also, in the afternoons, the windy atmosphere poses risks to passengers. During rainy conditions, the balloons will get waterlogged, again making it unsuitable to be inflated or flown.
- Why can’t the public have a ride on the free flying balloons?
For free flying, a hot air balloon can only accommodate a maximum weight of 200kg including the balloon pilot. Hence, due to restrictions in capacity and high safety procedures, only balloon pilots and co-pilots handle the free flying balloons. During the event, the hot air balloons that are on display are more of an exhibition, showcasing different designs, shapes and sizes of the hot air balloons from all over the world. Public can however get close to the balloons on display and even meet the pilots for photo opportunities.
For more information, please visit the official website or Facebook page.