Take a hot air balloon ride in Taitung and soar through the skies — Taiwan looks even more beautiful from above

Text & Photos /Purple Smile

Taking a tethered hot air balloon ride in Taiwan is no longer a novelty, but there still aren’t many people who get to fly freely in the sky. This time, I was lucky enough to experience a hot air balloon flight in Taitung, and it was truly a very special experience — a rare one in a lifetime

Sky Aviation has set up a Dream Factory for Flight in Luye, Taitung. In addition to the annual hot air balloon festival, there are now at least three seasons a year when you can fulfill your dream of flying. The timing of hot air balloon flights is subject to restrictions, and you have to take off early in the morning when the air currents are stable as dawn breaks.

Although we arrived before we were fully awake, everyone was really excited!!

On-site, large fans are first used to inflate the balloon, then hot air is added by heating it with fire until the balloon is fully inflated. All you can hear on-site is the whooshing sound of the torch, and you have to speak louder when standing nearby

After some effort, the two balloons that were to take off today were finally upright, with the burners continuously heating to maintain the shape of the balloon

Of course, the people are standing in the small basket — we were in the blue balloon today, with a total of five people including the pilot. After a brief pre-flight briefing, we were finally ready to fly!!! The hard work of the ground crew was finally complete. Hehe, after getting on the hot air balloon, since the balloon wasn’t very stable yet, it wobbled a bit and my heart did a little “flutter” (luckily I bought extra insurance, haha)

Once the pilot and the ground crew confirmed everything was ready, with a cheer, we slowly began to ascend!! Hehe, it felt kind of like taking an outdoor scenic elevator, except it’s higher, faster, and there’s wind blowing toward you — if you’re not afraid of heights, there’s really nothing to worry about

In the early morning in the Huatung Valley, visibility wasn’t very clear yet, and the air still seemed to hold a touch of dew. At this point, you can’t be careless. The cool breeze brushes against the cheeks, and below is the vast expanse of the valley.

This is the altimeter and pressure gauge (I think?)

As the altitude continued to increase, the initial nervousness had completely faded, and that’s when the feeling of enjoyment set in. The stunning view before us was something we’d never experienced at this height before. The air was cool and fresh — we took deep breaths and felt energized. We were flying quite fast, and could see the colorful balloons still below us, but this feeling was magical!!

As the sun rose, the sky gradually brightened, and the scenery became completely different — the beauty of the valley spread out as far as the eye could see.

Those who’ve seen the movie “Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above” will definitely be interested in the idea of “seeing Taiwan from the air.” Actually, we were truly moved right now!! Being able to look at Taiwan from the sky firsthand is truly a different experience

Once we maintained a certain altitude in the air, the pilot started chatting with us. It turns out all pilots in Taiwan have to go through rigorous training
and obtain qualified certification (and it’s currently the strictest standard in the world), so the pilots’ standards are definitely top-notch

Only when you’re up in the air do you really feel the air currents, so you have to constantly adjust your altitude to find stable ones, while also maintaining uninterrupted contact with the ground to stay aware of the situation. As the sky gradually brightened, the scenery changed too — it was really beautiful. It was about six-thirty or so at this point, and it was very quiet up in the air, with only the sound of the wind and the hissing of the burner

The pineapple farmers working early in the morning also waved to us. I heard that occasionally, when the flight is a bit lower, enthusiastic farmers have even thrown pineapples up to us!!

Because the pilot has to control the burner, it’s just above everyone’s heads, and when it shoots flames, you can even feel the heat!! It’s like the heating lamps you see at the entrance of department stores in winter, and after burning, water even drips down!! Haha, it feels really magical

The pilot even deliberately flew close to the treetops!!

I heard that in winter, the reflections on the rice paddies are even more beautiful. The pilot also mentioned that many families come to participate together — it’s an unforgettable memory for the whole family. We flew for thirty to forty minutes, and it was about time to start looking for a landing spot. This isn’t paragliding, so the landing spot is different every time!!

This is the important fuel gas

After trying several spots that weren’t suitable, we finally found a good one, but interestingly, that’s when we realized there was already a group of staff on the ground
who were also driving along, following the balloon, because wherever it lands, they need to be nearby to prepare for the landing

Since the landing spot varies, it might even be in a field, so the staff have to work hard to rush in and pull and steady the balloon. I heard sometimes it even lands in pineapple fields, hehe, which makes it even more challenging

Haha, they jokingly say that even the girls have to act like guys!!

Haha, who would’ve thought there’s a surprise in the pilot’s backpack too!! It turns out there’s such a fun ceremony after the flight!! The pilot said it’s exactly the same ceremony as international hot air balloon flights

The handsome indigenous pilot — I heard he’s also the first indigenous hot air balloon pilot in all of Taiwan!! For safety reasons, hot air balloon pilots have short working hours, and it seems they have to retire around the age of forty

Come on!! Let’s raise our glasses to celebrate the success of this flight!!!! I never knew that just one balloon requires so many staff members to get it off the ground!! Their bright smiles, and the proud R.O.C. flag emblem!!!

After landing, the staff will drive us back to the Flight Dream Factory.

Participants in the flight also receive a certificate!! This flight was truly joyful, moving, and a huge success.

In the future, for about three seasons a year, as long as the weather is stable, there will be flying activities every day.

Although it’s quite pricey, currently 8,000 NTD per person, but I’ve heard it’s actually quite cheap compared to overseas prices.

And it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—you don’t need to go abroad to enjoy something like this, you can have it right here in Taiwan.

This balloon is even more impressive, landing directly on a small truck!!

Skysky Aviation

Address: No. 399, Section 3, Zhonghua Road, Yung’an Village, Luye Township, Taitung County (Flight Enlightenment Base)

Reservation phone: 089-552233 089-552235
Reservation contact: 089-552233 089-552235 Ms. Li — reservations are required!!!