Hot air balloons take Taiwan by storm – Kaohsiung joins in with flights over Clear Lake

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The hot air balloon carnival has become a popular trend. In addition to Taitung, Hualien, and Tainan, Kaohsiung will also host a hot air balloon carnival at Clear Lake this summer. For the first time, hot air balloons will take off from the lake surface and fly over Clear Lake, offering passengers an unprecedented flying experience. Industry insiders estimate that nearly a thousand visitors could be attracted daily.

▲ Taitung 2012 Hot Air Balloon CarnivalGrand occasion, the first of its kind across Taiwan.(Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

The organizers said the Clear Lake Hot Air Balloon Carnival will be held on July 6. Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the lake and experience the “Exploration Journey into a Hot Air Balloon,” which is being introduced to Taiwan for the first time from the United States. With professional guides, visitors can get an inside look at the entire process of hot air balloon inflation, ignition, expansion, and flight. There will also be a free hot air balloon-themed exhibition hall for visitors to explore.

Operators have planned for the hot air balloon flights over Clear Lake to last about five minutes. The price is NT$500 for both adults and children, with children over 110 cm tall eligible to ride. Around eight or nine hot air balloons will be available on-site, each capable of carrying 2 to 5 passengers per flight.