Did you have a favourite movie when you were a child? I have a few. Apart from Lois&Clark The New Adventures of Superman, the one that inspired me to be a writer today, I have a few more favourite movies that made quite an impression on me as a child. One of them is ‘The Chipmunks Adventure’. Basically the movie is about a bunch of chipmunks going around the world in a hot air balloon. I watched that movie over and over again as a child. Great movie. It showed the adventures of the chipmunks, where they go to different  places, different continents with the hot air balloon. Since then, I always dreamed of going around the world in one.

I’m all grown up now. Although going around the world in a hot air balloon seems like a rather farfetched dream, it became a reality to me last week. Well, almost. I may not be able fly around the world in a hot air balloon, but I now could ride in one.

There’s this new attraction in Putrajaya where you can ride a tethered helium balloon. It won’t exactly bring you to travel all around the world, but it will enable you to get a fantastic view of Putrajaya from above.

Here’s introducing the Sky Rides Festivals Park.

Tourism and Culture Minister Mohamed Nazri Aziz said the theme park has been elevated to the country’s new top tourism destination for the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFEST) 2015 initiative.

The park’s main attraction is the Skyrides Balloon, touted as Malaysia’s first and largest tethered balloon ride, which will lift visitors to a height of 120m, offering an unprecedented view of Putrajaya and its surrounding areas. As a new attraction in Malaysia, SkyRides Balloon is set to entice foreign tourists to visit Malaysia to experience the thrilling ride, which is built over water.

My family and I managed to get a ride on it and the experience was absolutely breathtaking. Here is a picture of our balloon from below during takeoff. My son and I loves it so much and we would ride on it again in a heart beat if we were given another opportunity for it.

Putrajaya at night from above. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

This picture was taken while we were riding in the balloon. One of my favourite shot. 🙂

Other interesting activities at the park include SkyWarrior Rainforest Challenge. An obstacle course that is wonderful for team building activities.

The place is also very children friendly. There is SkyKids area for little children to play indoors.

And also outdoor, where there is plenty of inflatable playground awaits.

SkyDemo, on the other hand is great for art and crafts enthusiast. Arts and crafts demo is done here daily and apart from learning how to make traditional crafts here, you can also buy souvenirs and bring all the memories home.

Another thing that is worth mentioning in the park is the Sky Cruise, where you can ride on a boat and cruise along the Putrajaya lake. Here’s the gondola-like boat you can ride. This one is known as the ‘Dondang Sayang’ boat. Apart from the Dondang Sayang, there is also the Kelah. You may read about my experience aboard that one HERE.

The Sky Rides Festivals Park implemented quite an interesting concept where there is things to do by all three Land, Lake and Sky and there is something for everyone in the family. It is really a one of a kind fun filled theme park and do give it a visit soon if you are looking for some great bonding time with your loved ones.

The theme park is located at Presint 2, Putrajaya. The landmark for it is the Monument Alaf Baru.