The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (MyBalloonFiesta – Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia) makes its return home to Precinct 2 in time to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary! Happening from the 28th – 31st March 2019, AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd, the nation’s pioneer of all things ballooning will again reprise their role as the organiser of this beloved free-for-all event. Locals and tourists will be able to bring their family and friends to this colourful event filled with activities suitable for children and adults alike. Undoubtedly famous for its mass balloon display and ascension, other balloon activities are in-store such as an exclusive opportunity to go on a tethered balloon ride via the MyBalloonClub package or to have breakfast with the best view for balloon watching at the Picnic Zone. There will be a balloon igloo showcase – which are made out of recycled hot air balloons, a corporate area for partners to exhibit their products, an F&B park to quench visitors thirst and satiate everyone’s appetite as well as other fun activities. The highlight of the Fiesta and crowd favourite Night Glow will also make a comeback this year, with a big surprise! An expected 20 hot air balloons of various shapes and colours will be making it to the event this year from all over the world including Belgium, India, United Kingdom, Spain, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. Hare and Hound competition also known as the Rudy’s Trophy, named after the founder of Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be hosted by the organiser as an added highlight especially for the pilots, enabling them to showcase their flying skills as they breeze through the skies of Putrajaya and compete with each other. Updates on the event activities can be found on www.myballoonfiesta.com, Facebook (facebook.com/myballoonfiesta) and Instagram (instagram.com/myballoonfiesta). The 10th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is organised by AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd and supported by Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj). About AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd The company has been operating hot air balloon since 1995 making it the pioneer in the ballooning industry. With vast experience in organising hot air balloon events around Malaysia, such as NST 150th Anniversary, Annual Putrajaya International Balloon Fiesta and most recently, Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

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It was with trepidation that I accepted Thomas proposal to cover the yearly MyBaloon Fiesta in Kuala Lumpur.  Hot air balloons, I though! I did not hesitate a minute and contacted the Public Relations person for the event, Miss Ezrin Balqis, in order to get some details on the event as well as to arrange accommodation for my stay. Considering that Asian Itinerary had previously covered some of the activities of the famous Malaysian balloon sisters, great articles that I had read with much interest – READ THEM HERE -, I immediately thought that the best angle to cover the event would be to discuss the idea of women behind handling these giant balloons, something usually related to men. I then arranged an interview with Izzati Khairudin, the first child of a man passioned about hot air balloons, who managed to pass on this passion to her daughters. Yes, not just one but two. Izzati and Atiqah Khairudin have a hot air balloon license and are indeed the women pioneer in this sport in Malaysia, the land of hibiscus. Hot air ballooning is the oldest form of aviation in history, and even though accidents involving hot air balloons are rare, this sport is still considered as amongst slightly risky sports together with scuba diving and winter sports. Apart from that, for a woman to get involved in this sport is very rare too, and looking at these two young women, it is hard to believe they have ballooned in the sky so many times in their lives. So the first question I threw at Izzati was sharp: AI – “What do you think about Malaysian society perception on women involved in dangerous sports? Do you think people underestimate them or not?” Izzati was not at all shocked and her answer came our after a big smile painted on her fresh face: IZZATI – “I believe it is a matter of opinion. I feel that in Malaysia females are treated equally, I truly believe so as I have never felt handled differently than people would handle a man. Same in ballooning. When I was training in Spain, people treated equally as well. You know, if you want to be a pilot, you need to pilot your own balloon. Nobody is going to do it for you.” AI – “Do you actually think hot air balloon is a dangerous sport?” IZZATI – “Yes, I believe so, however it is really fun. I mean it’s not so hard. You take your license, you practice your landings and you get all the important knowledge needed to fly a hot air balloon, which is a lot. Because the thing with hot air balloon is that you can’t navigate the way, can’t really chose where the balloon goes and things like that. Therefore, when we fly a balloon we always need to look out for things like power lines, lamp posts and any other obstacles. And when we need to land, we really need to understand wind conditions and weather patterns.” AI – “So what would you say are the main challenges behind hot air balloon?” IZZATI – “In terms of flying, there are of course challenges. For instance, once I was flying in Penang and I couldn’t find a suitable field to land so I improvised and landed in a muddy pineapple plantation. Though it was not the most ideal place to land, the operation turned out safe. Hardest are palm oil plantation, and we have plenty here in Malaysia. Generally, landing spaces are very limited, but the good thing about this country is that morning weather is usually tame, so tricky landings are possible.” AI – “What is your sweetest memory about balloons?” IZZATI – “I think my best memory is doing it with my sister: we did our license together and we flew a lot together. Ballooning is my life, and so are my ballooning fans and my company. We are a very small team and we are very close to each other. Our office is like our second home. I work a lot with young people with very bright mind, very accommodating and committed like the AKA balloon team.”  AI – ”What message would you give to those who wish to try piloting a hot air balloon?” IZZATI – “My message is: go for it. It took my sister and I a while to get our hot air balloon license, it was a long 7 years process from the initial idea to finally get it materialized, collecting necessary funds etc. Having some savings is important, so you can buy your own balloon and do not have to rely on renting one.” AI – ”Plans for the future?” IZZATI – “We are mainly planning towards setting up official training for hot air balloon pilots so that Malaysians do not have to travel out of their countries to get a license. Abroad, the cost of getting a license is about 50,000 Malaysian Ringgit (about 10000 euros).” I said goodbye to Izzati and went on enjoying my morning at Putrajaya, observing amazing balloons taking off and flying away. I love Izzati commitment towards what she loves the most, she should be an inspiration to all women. There is nothing better than doing what you desire the most in the world. And let me end this article with a quote by author of ‘Letters from the Lost Soul’, Bob Bitchin: “The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude.” 

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After eight consecutive years of hosting the event in Putrajaya, MyBalloon Fiesta (formerly Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta) annual event has finally found itself closer to the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur! Nestling itself in the scenic neighbourhood of Desa ParkCity, about 25 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre, the 9th MyBalloonFiesta was back with its aptly themed “Balloon in the Park” as the hot heat rose March 10th to 12th this year. It was early morning when I made my way to Desa ParkCity – http://desaparkcity.com – a lovely green residential area developed around a lake. It was a Saturday, and residents jogged, walked dogs, took kids for walks or enjoyed coffee at the local shopping area. The sun rose and a few of the balloons were being tested, ready to take people on tethered rides from 7,30 am. I got to ride on a colourful red and pink balloon, and when the pilot started the fire to inflate it, heat came to my head and warmed my scalp so much I had to duck! Two huge gas tanks fueled the balloon from inside the wicker cabin, and up we went. The feeling was great: we were lulled by a fresh breeze during the soft ascent, and from the top the view of the surrounding area was incredible. I only got to ride a mere 10 minutes, but it was enough to understand the enjoyment of flying on a hot air balloon! Down at the park, I enjoyed a gourmet buffet breakfast while listening to a quality live jazz performance. Small tents were provided for media, VIP and balloon club members who enjoyed the sight of balloon inflation, as well as activities like zumba classes and a challenging limbo dance. As I had a second serving of the amazing breakfast, I got to meet with Atiqua, one of the balloon sisters. I have been one their fans for so long, and I have followed all their rides online! SEE:   http://asianitinerary.com/around-peninsular-malaysia-balloon/ – http://asianitinerary.com/surfing-clouds-pahang/ – http://asianitinerary.com/paddy-fields-kelantan/ – http://asianitinerary.com/breezing-through-terengganu/ The day got warmer by the minute, and by 9,30 am the balloons had to be taken down as the sun was so strong there was a chance that it would damage the balloons liner. In the mean time, my colleague Cato was covering the show at Putrajaya, which started at 6,45. Converging at the park were seventeen balloons from eleven countries comprising of special shapes and colourful designs: teardrop-shaped balloons, as well as some outrageous, quirkily-shaped ones including the special-shaped balloons such as the Rooster from Thailand, Tako II and Happy Chan from Japan, a hatching egg balloon as well as Dexter the Happy Flame from the Netherlands. Back at Desa ParkCity, general admission for the public started at 4pm. The Fiesta attracted a diverse crowd of local and foreign tourists attending this annual event, some bringing their own picnic mats, cozying up while feasting upon the scrumptious food available at the http://www.foodgasmfest.com.my – various food trucks and tents serving hungry patrons. Those not keen on the idea of going up in one of the balloons did not need to worry as this three-day festival entertained in a variety of ways: besides hot air balloon rides there were activities including cultural performances, balloon workshops and more. Jordi Enrich, an artist from Spain who recycles old hot air balloons, presented balloon igloos large enough to cater people and activities inside like the ‘Silent Disco‘ and an outdoor cinema featuring movies with hot air balloons themes. VR 360 video was present with an interactive viewing of wide-angle panoramic video, encompassing a 360-degree circle spherical view, experienced through the use of special goggles, for an incredibly ‘like real’ feeling of riding a hot air balloon. The evening session included an amazing Hot Air Balloon Display and Night Glow Show display, the perfect photo shooting opportunity as well as the chance to meet and greet the pilots of these amazing balloons. Endless fun we had at the MyBalloon Fiesta 2017 – don’t miss the chance next year, check their schedule on www.myballoonfiesta.com AsianItinerary was kindly accommodated by Sri Samansara Hotel.

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The 9th MyBalloonFiesta 2017 is to run March 10th – 12th, and features partnership with Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and many more. The Fiesta has officially set up home in the cosy neighborhood of Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur, with its theme this year being Balloon in the Park. This year’s event promised to bring about a diverse selection of activities, vendors as well as… balloons. The announcement of sponsors and international balloonists was revealed at a press conference event this month at The ParkCity Club, Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. This year’s announcement was made exciting with a Tethered Balloon Ride especially for media representatives. The Fiesta will showcase special-shaped balloons such as the Rooster from Thailand, Tako II and Happy Chan from Japan, a hatching egg balloon as well as Dexter the Happy Flame from the Netherlands. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the Fiesta is proud to feature four ladies who are heavily involved in the ballooning industry. Adrianna Llado Gambin 25 year old balloon pilot and Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Spain, is the only woman participant in the recent EcoRace by Balloon Concept in Switzerland. She participated in a European Championship and crossed the Alps from Chateau d’Oex to Ferrara, and her longest duration flight was 9 hours in Finland. Hailing from Mexico, Escandra Salim is the Director of the Internacional del Globo Leon. The event held annually in Leon, is one of the biggest ballooning meets in the world with 2.5 million visitors over 13 years. Locally, ‘Balloon Sisters’, Nur Izzati and Nur Atiqah Khairudin are the first two female hot air balloon pilots in Malaysia, and also the pioneer and organizer of hot air balloons fiestas in Malaysia. Paying ode to the Arts, the Fiesta is inviting Mr Jordi Enrich, an artist from Spain who recycles old hot air balloons. Presently, he will be making balloon igloos that will be featured during the Fiesta which are large enough to cater people and activities inside. ‘Silent Disco’ and an outdoor cinema featuring movies with hot air balloons theme are available for visitors to enjoy. Balloon workshop and 360 Virtual Reality Balloon experience are also available within the fiesta grounds. Returning as Presenting Sponsor is the Ministry of Tourism, the Republic of Indonesia, fondly known as Wonderful Indonesia. This year, Wonderful Indonesia brings the concept of The Colourful You to complement the array of colorful balloons with a dynamic line up of Indonesian games and activities for young and old alike, vibrant cultural performances and showcases and an exciting line-up of Indonesian artists and DJ. Partners also include Perdana ParkCity Sdn Bhd (as Venue Provider), myNews.com and D’Tandoor Group of Restaurants (as Exclusive Partner), Rock and Tulips Association, Coleman, and DOOF Industries (as Event Partners). Shuttle busses are provided from MRT Stations located at KL Sentral (RM3) and Mutiara Damansara (RM2) one way. Alternatively, you can use ‘MBFGRAB17’ when booking via GrabCar or GrabCar+ to get RM6 off your first two rides to or from Desa ParkCity General admission tickets to 9th MyBalloonFiesta are available for purchase via the website, www.myballoonfiesta.com or at any MyNews.com outlets within Klang Valley. MyBalloonClub tickets are also available at RM300 for adults and RM250 for children, which includes a complimentary tethered balloon ride exclusively in the morning session. For those who wish to fly on a hot air balloon during the Fiesta at Putrajaya, tickets are available RM1,200 per person and tickets can be booked at www.myballoonadventure.com. Package includes breakfast, giftbox and a time-lapse video of the balloon flight. Those who wish to find out more about the 9th MyBalloonFiesta can visit www.myballoonfiesta.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at “@myballoonfiesta”. READ ABOUT THE BALLOON SISTERS HERE ! 

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