Soarin’, Flyin’ on Singapore’s First Hot-Air Balloon Ride
For many people, their bucket list of things to do includes riding on a hot air balloon, and I can understand why.
You get to soar into the sky and see the glittering landscape below. Isn’t that just romantic?
If you’re planning to visit Singapore soon, I have some good news for you: you can now ride a hot air balloon here! And as someone who was lucky enough to try it, I’m here to guide you through the process if you’re thinking of doing the same.
Here’s everything you need to know about Singapore’s first-ever hot-air balloon ride.
Where can I book the first-ever hot-air balloon ride in Singapore?
— From: ballonsdumonde
Website: https://ballonsdumonde.com/
Address: Palawan Green, Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa
You can book Singapore’s first-ever hot-air balloon ride in Ballons du Monde, which is located on Siloso Beach Walk in Sentosa.
Before operating in Sentosa, the company had actually been conducting test rides at the Bayfront Event Space in 2021.
It was only in March 2022 that the first-ever hot-air balloon was launched, and after that, the company began conducting rides at Sentosa. They even held a racing edition of the hot-air balloon rides at Marina Bay in October 2022.
What is the price of a hot-air balloon ride in Singapore?
Currently, Ballons du Monde’s hot-air balloon rides in Singapore cost S$265 per person, and only up to three people are allowed in one vessel.
There’s a possibility that this price will increase the more popular and mainstream the services become.
As of writing, tickets aren’t available yet as Ballons du Monde has just completed its racing edition at Marina Bay. If you want to check the availability status of their tickets, head over to the ticketing section of their website.
How long can I ride Singapore’s first-ever hot-air balloon?
The whole hot-air balloon experience will last you about 50 minutes. The first few minutes will be spent with the instructor giving you an introduction to riding a hot-air balloon lesson, then you’ll have a five-to-seven-minute flight.
While you’re up in the air, you get a bird’s eye view of the city skyline, which is just absolutely stunning. After the ride, you’ll have a toast to celebrate your once-in-a-blue-moon experience.
What time of day can I ride the hot-air balloon?
— From: ballonsdumonde
When you book a hot-air balloon ride with Ballons du Monde, you can choose either a sunrise session or an evening session. Both have their own pros, so it’s really up to your personal preference.
When I went there with my family, our ride was at nighttime, and I have no regrets because the scenery was just gorgeous. The skyscrapers are all lit up, so it feels like you’re watching the stars on the ground.
It was such a memorable view, and I definitely bombarded my camera phone with so many photos. I imagine the pictures would’ve turned out better if I used a fancy digital camera, but oh well, I’m not going to complain much.
That said, the sunrise option is still great because you get to see the sunrise from a high vantage point. I can just imagine that the view of the sun painting the sky in vibrant golds and reds will take my breath away.
Are there requirements for riding the hot-air balloon in Singapore?
There are a few requirements that you should keep in mind before riding the hot-air balloon in Singapore:
- You have to be at least 130 cm tall. This is because it’s the minimum height that lets you see over the basket. If you’re shorter than that, you can still ride, so long as you’re okay with seeing through the basket’s foot holes.
- Children are also welcome to ride if and only if they’re accompanied by an adult from the same household.
- You must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, if you were infected with COVID-19, it’s crucial that you’ve recovered from it in the last 180 days.
- You’re required to show proof of vaccination. For Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, this means showing your TraceTogether or HealthHub App.
- You’re also required to check in via the TraceTogether App to facilitate contact-tracing efforts. And yes, that includes foreign visitors as well.
- You must wear a mask. While you’re waiting for your turn, you should also maintain a one-meter distance from the other visitors.
Are there restrictions on who can ride the hot-air balloon?
Though there aren’t that many requirements when it comes to riding a hot-air balloon, Ballons du Monde do have some restrictions.
These restrictions are for people with certain health conditions, so if any of the following fits your status right now, you’re unfortunately not allowed to ride a hot-air balloon:
- If you’re pregnant
- If you have a heart issue
- If you have respiratory problems
- If you’re suffering from osteoporosis
- If you’ve participated in scuba diving within 48 hours of your scheduled ride
To ensure you’re in good health prior to your hot-air balloon ride, I suggest that you check in with your doctor first.
Is riding a hot-air balloon in Singapore really safe?
Riding a hot-air balloon is incredibly safe. In fact, it’s the safest form of flight.
If you’re still hesitant, Ballons du Monde has taken all the necessary measures.
Firstly, the company uses aviation-grade balloon equipment, and the setup has been over-specified and tested multiple times to get everything right. Additionally, only trained operators are hired to control the hot-air balloons.
During the flight, the hot-air balloon is tethered, so you don’t have to worry about getting blown away by the wind. On the off-chance that something’s wrong with the balloon, the operator can immediately land on the ground to let everyone evacuate.
How does the operator control the hot-air balloon?
The operator can only control the altitude of the hot-air balloon; they do this by heating and cooling the air in the balloon. They don’t have the ability to control the direction, but operators can use wind streams to help guide your vessel.
How high can the hot-air balloon in Singapore fly?
The Ballons du Monde hot-air balloon is tethered to the ground and can only get as high as up to 30 meters.
That said, if you feel uneasy with the height at any point, you can tell your operator, and they are more than happy to lower the altitude until you get to the distance that you’re comfortable with.
Is there an appropriate dress code for riding a hot-air balloon in Singapore?
There’s no strict dress code for riding the Ballons du Monde hot-air balloon, but there are a few suggestions that you’re highly recommended to follow.
Firstly, you might want to dress comfortably because you’ll have to climb into and out of the basket. You should also wear a ball cap or hat to protect you from the heat of the burner (which is what blows hot air to the balloon, keeping you afloat).
Another object of clothing you’re recommended to wear is a pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun (if you pick the sunrise session). While we’re on the topic of protection against the sun, be sure to apply high-quality sunscreen on your skin.
The only thing that Ballons du Monde forbids is wearing high heels, and this is only for your safety because high heels can cause injury during boarding, landing, and disembarking.
Can I still ride the hot-air balloon even when it rains?
The ideal weather for hot-air balloon rides is sunny and clear, and Ballons du Monde meticulously plans every session they make public.
Unfortunately, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so sometimes it rains during hot-air balloon sessions. And when it rains, it might be tricky to operate a hot-air balloon safely.
So, when the forecast shows that it will rain during your hot-air balloon session, the staff will reschedule your session to the next available date. And don’t worry; you won’t have to pay an extra fee.
Tips for Your First-Ever Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Singapore
- Book in advance. Riding a hot-air balloon is going to be all the rage in Singapore in no time, so to ensure you get a slot, you have to book your spot ahead of time. Do it ASAP because there are only a few slots available at a time!
- Bring your loved ones. You can definitely ride a hot air balloon by yourself, but you might end up being grouped with other strangers. So, I suggest you bring two people that you’re close to. The experience will be so much better.
- Keep your belongings secure. The last thing you want to happen is your stuff falling to the ground. To avoid this scenario, be sure to secure your belongings. You can put them in a bag or tether them to your body.