The Big Reveal Behind the "Upside-Down Twins" Hot Air Balloon Flying Inverted!

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta continues to draw crowds. Following the buzz around the "Black Knight" and "Cow Balloon," the latest hot topic is the "Upside-Down Twins Shaped Balloon" (upside down balloon) that can fly "inverted." The secret to its inverted flight lies in hiding the pilot’s basket inside the balloon envelope, while another balloon guides its flight.

▲ The talk-of-the-town "Upside-Down Twins Shaped Balloon." (Photo / Courtesy ofTaiwan Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - Taiwan Balloon Festival Facebook fan page))

Organizers explained that the inverted balloon conceals the pilot’s basket within the envelope. However, since the basket is hidden, the balloon requires guidance from another balloon, which is why the two always fly together. This one-of-a-kind upside-down twins shaped balloon was specially made by a German company.

▲ The 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta introduces the "Turtle Tarō Balloon" (far right). (Photo / Courtesy of Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - Taiwan Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)

Another crowd-pleaser is the turtle-shaped balloon (Mister Bup) "Turtle Tarō" from Belgium. Its massive body and unique design look even more adorable as it floats in the sky. Organizers say the unprecedented showdown between the "Black Knight" and "Turtle Tarō" is about to begin.

The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Fiesta runs until August 11. On the afternoon of July 22, all the most talked-about shaped balloons will gather for a special performance—don’t miss your last chance to catch the show.

% The dramatically shaped balloon soaring or gliding by (Photo / Courtesy of Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - Taiwan Balloon Festival Facebook fan page)