Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta a hit among locals and tourists

GEORGE TOWN: The two-day Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta which ended today was a hit with hundreds of locals and tourists pouring in take part and see the colourful display of the tethered balloon ride at Padang Polo.
Among some of the hot air balloons were also specially-shaped balloons such as Humpty Dumpty and Trump.
According to the event's spokesman, around 300 people started queuing up as early as 2.30am in the hope of securing a ticket to ride in the hot air balloon, resulting in a total sold-out of 180 tickets for its morning session at 7.15am.
However, it could be seen that lesser balloons were on display yesterday compared to Saturday due to strong winds and unfavorable weather conditions.
When met, computer support staff Adrain Kessler, 60, who came with his son, said that the event was very interesting and eye-opening.
"It's good to have such an event as it brings something new to Penang in order to attract tourists," he told theSun.
Austrian Christopher Hambrusch, 30, said that he arrived in Penang on Saturday together with his cousin who was one of the performers for the event.
"I have not seen hot air balloons before in my life, so to be able to see them here is kind of surreal," he said.
It could be seen from afar that many shuttle bugs were busying snapping photos of balloons at the field while traffic was only congested at certain parts of the roads leading to Padang Polo.