The Clear Lake hot air balloon is set to take off — introducing the “Step Into the Balloon Exploration Tour” imported from the United States

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

Taiwan’s hot air balloon craze has officially spread to southern Taiwan. The “2013 Kaohsiung Takeoff – Urban Hot Air Balloon Carnival,” which will kick off by Clear Lake on the 6th (of this month), has also brought in the Felix the Cat hot air balloon from the United States. Visitors can take a ride over Clear Lake and experience the first-ever “Step Into the Balloon Exploration Tour” imported from the U.S., where professional guides will take them behind the scenes of a complete hot air balloon flight.

 
▲ Clear Lake hot air balloon, featuring the Felix the Cat balloon imported from the United States. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau)

The “2013 Kaohsiung Takeoff – Urban Hot Air Balloon Carnival” will be held from July 6 to August 11 by Clear Lake in Kaohsiung, running for 37 days. More than eight hot air balloons from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Slovenia will take to the skies, offering around 30,000 people the chance to experience the charm of hot air ballooning. Unlike other city-based balloon events, Kaohsiung’s balloons offer high-altitude views of the beautiful Clear Lake scenery. During the event, water quality and air quality monitoring will also be conducted in coordination with relevant agencies, emphasizing environmental protection.

This Clear Lake hot air balloon event features four nation-first highlights: lake-side launches with views over Clear Lake, a balloon water mirage light show, the Walk-in Balloon Exploration Tour, and an urban-style hot air balloon carnival. Among these, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over Clear Lake and experience the first-ever “Step Into the Balloon Exploration Tour” imported from the United States, guided by professionals who will reveal the full process of balloon inflation, ignition, expansion, and lift-off.

In addition to tethered hot air balloon rides, the event will also include stunt performances by remote-controlled gliders, drone exhibitions, a World Ice Cream Carnival, a Hot Air Balloon Cultural Pavilion, a Hot Air Balloon History Pavilion, a Fun Balloon Pavilion, a Chinese and Western food street, a special sale of local agricultural products, souvenirs, a family fun castle, and a 3D flying action cinema. The hot air balloon flights over Clear Lake last about five minutes. Ticket prices are NT$500 for both adults and children, with children over 110 cm tall eligible to ride. There will be eight or nine balloons on-site, each capable of carrying 2 to 5 passengers per flight.