The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival offers Taiwan’s only free-flight experience.

By MOOK Travel Life Net, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin

 

The unique experience of ascending in a hot air balloon and enjoying breathtaking views of Eastern Taiwan has made the Taitung County-hosted Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival attract 880,000 visitors last year, sparking a nationwide hot air balloon craze. This year’s “2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival” will be held from June 1 to August 11. The first light and music show will premiere at Taitung Chi-Hang Base on May 31, while the tethered hot air balloon experience starting on the afternoon of June 1 costs NT$500 per person. In addition to increasing the number of balloons compared to last year, the event will also feature barrier-free hot air balloons for the first time, along with several adorable themed balloons. The “Angry Birds”-themed balloon, which is set to appear in May this year, will make Taitung its first global premiere destination, with an expected stay of about 30 days. This year also marks the debut of a passenger-carrying free-flight service, making it the only hot air balloon event in Taiwan offering such an experience.

This year’s event will again take place at Luye Gaotai, with the number of tethered balloons increased to nine per day, including a seven-seater and a barrier-free balloon, enabling more people—including those with mobility challenges—to enjoy the hot air balloon experience. In addition to the standard tethered balloons, this year the festival has invited many uniquely shaped balloons to Taiwan, including cute animals beloved by children like penguins and turtles, a wish cake for birthdays, and even Darth Vader from the popular movie “Star Wars,” all set to make a dazzling appearance at the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Additionally, the widely loved Angry Birds hot air balloon will make its global debut in Taitung in balloon form, participating in two light and music shows as well as flight performances.

The tethered hot air balloon experience of the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival will begin on the afternoon of June 1, with ticket sales starting daily at 5:00 AM and 3:00 PM. In addition to on-site ticket purchases, pre-registered front 80 participants for the morning session can also join the exclusive one-day hot air balloon tour. This year’s newly added free-flight passenger service is by reservation only and requires advance booking with the event organizers. Aside from the hot air balloon free-flight rides and tethered experiences, the venue will also feature a hot air balloon souvenir sales area, outdoor activity zones, evening events, and grassland concerts, among other fringe activities, plus performances by well-known performing groups and celebrities. The festival will host six light and music shows, each with a unique theme. The first light and music show will be held on the evening of May 31 at Taitung Chi-Hang Base, where hot air balloons illuminate the night sky alongside majestic performances by the Republic of China Armed Forces military band and spectacular fireworks, creating a one-of-a-kind light and music spectacle in the world. Official website: balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw.

 

 

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