Luye Highlands — Attraction in Luye

Welcoming Morning From Above Hot Air Balloons

Morning was still blind, but we had to hurry to the location of the event. Because the show only lasted two hours, starting at 5:00 to 7:00 in the morning and when the afternoon at 17:00 to 19:00. Passing from that must be disappointed, only the expanse of green land will be seen.

The annual Taiwan International Ballon Fiesta festival has always been excellent. Only lasts 45 days each time, starting June 29-August 8. Visitors flocked, and some were even willing to set up tents so as not to miss the festival.

To enjoy the main treat, see the morning sun that greets you from behind a hill. And the fog that blanketed the land below. Exquisite. With a variety of hot balloons that air with various colors.

The festival was held in a field area, Luye plateau which still entered the Taitung District covering an area of ​​8 hectares. Located at an altitude of 368 meters and surrounded by hills. The perfect place because of the wind blowing in the mountains.

There are two types of attractions that can be felt by visitors. Namely riding a balloon that only goes up and down only. For 10 minutes visitors are invited to rise to a height of 25 meters. Enough to pay the 600 NT fee.

Or do you want something more extreme? Explore the Taitung area by hot air balloon. It costs 9,000 NT. But this attraction must pay attention to the weather first. If the wind is friendly, it can be done.

Enjoying the view from a height is certainly very exciting. From there clearly visible rural areas that are vaguely still shrouded in thick white fog. Look down with views of the green expanse of the hill. And thousands of people who enjoyed the festival from a grassy hill climb. There are picnics with various supplies to hide behind tents.

The festival which was held since 2011 was followed by dozens of air balloons. This year 40 balloons participated, the majority from Taiwan. The rest are from other countries. Like South Korea to Brazil.

The theme that is carried also varies each year. This time the concept is "Fly For Children". Because of that many balloons with child characters. Like cakes, witches to Iron Man. Especially now it's the holiday season.

Besides the balloon festival. Especially in the afternoon there is an evening performance. Like the entertainment stage and the night market. Various culinary and amusement rides are provided there.

Indeed, the existence of the Taiwan International Ballon Fiesta is able to attract tourists both at home and abroad. 90 thousand people visited each festival. The economy was jacked up, from the countryside and the quiet mountainous regions. Now it has become the most popular tourist destination. The festival is among the 12 best...

Visit in JULY during the hot air balloon season~

Transport: Took the first bus from TaiTung Train Station. The bus was already packed when it arrived and we had to stand for the whole duration of the ride which was about 35 mins.

Hot air balloon tickets: Advice to book early online or stay nearby and queue early in the morning/queue overnight for it. We thought we were early by taking the first bus but by the time we reach at 5am, the ticket booth only had 11 tickets left and the rest were tickets for the waiting list which the ticketperson said would only be available for the first 10 people on the waiting list. We had to ask the ticketperson for this information. So if you are late, just forget about queueing and find a good spot to sit on the slope to view the hot air balloons.

Activities: When you arrive, there will be an emcee and speakers located around the site so that you will be constantly entertained. The emcee will introduce the event, remind you of your safety and also give out prizes. Overall, it is a very fun-filled experience in a magnificent nature setting with the rolling hills and clear blue sky. Dress according to the sponsor colours to stand a chance to get free gifts.

Perfect place for pinics and breakfast. Remember to bring along a picnic mat. There will always be something to see - either them inflating the hot air balloons or taking off.

Duration: Ends around 7. Free shuttle bus back to TaiTung Train Station or to Luyeh Train...

We came there for the first day of Air Balloon Festival. Make sure to arrive very very early if you want to go up in Air Balloon. We arrived 3 hours ahead by car and waited for 2:30 hours in the queud but we didn't manage to get our ticket to the balloon. There were a limited amount of tickets per day and we didn't get it because people took opportunity of the mess to "cheat" and get into the line without queeing. Very disappointed of these people. I had noticed one women who arrived 5 mins before the opening of the tickets cashier, and she flew in one of the balloon later. Obviously, she didn't wait 2:30hours and skipped the queue. There were a big fight as we were more than 30 people who waited for nothing. But how can you catch those who cheated? There were no camera and they already bought and went away. But overall, coming and watching the air balloon floating was extraordinary. Really loved it. It tooks us an 1-hour or more to just leave the carpark but it is ok. Also, the toilet was very disgusting because there were no more water to flush.

But out of that, it was magical and will definitely do it again if I go to Taiwan next time. (And will not let those cheater skip the...