March 20th / 21st

Saturday
I got a chance to go up with Derek and a passenger. The only people allowed into the launch site are media and photographers, who have to obtain a pass first, but as we were the first balloon to inflate, most of them rushed over to get a picture.
Swarmed by photographers!
View of the launch site from the balloon.
Approaching the beautiful mosque. There were 5 balloons that tethered all day, and helicopter rides over the city were very popular.
This is one of my favorite buildings, the reflective top is dazzling during the day, and at night it shines with spotlights.
There were 23 balloons at this event, 12 of them will be shipped to Indonesia for the Java event.
This will be the first time Indonesia has hosted an international balloon event, so we hope it goes okay.
Lots of mansions along the riverside.
Star wars booth at the event, should be guarding the Darth Vader balloon.
Good view of the main road that runs through the city. The convention center is at one end and the Prime ministers palace is at the other end. Derek flew over the top of this building which had a great roof top garden.
Lucky employees who work here have their own garden.
Yan ( one of our crew from last years event) crewed for us again this year. This is his family who chased us one afternoon.
Busy day, as we flew in the morning and afternoon, then just had time for some dinner before the night glow at 9pm.
Our crew at the night glow.
Devil Muslim women!!!!
Sunday
Took up one passenger, as its so hot we're limited to one person, or two really light people. Perfect weather day,
Derek landed safely, after 1hrs flight.
In the afternoon, we had a visit from the Prime ministers wife. She wanted to met the pilots and then see the Darth Vader balloon. Kids in traditional costume performed a dance to honor her.
The prime ministers wife and other officials.
Derek having a chat about ballooning. After her visit, we were getting ready to fly, but a storm came in and we were hit with rain, thunder and lightening. Everyone quickly packed their balloon away, which was a shame as there were crowds of people waiting to see the balloons. As this is the last day of the event, we got our basket ready for shipment to Indonesia. We'll hang out in K.L. for 2 days, then catch a flight from K.L. to Jakarta on Wednesday morning.

March 16th - 19th

Tuesday
Rather than carry our backpacks to the pier, we caught the resorts boat, and saved 10 mins walk!
View of the resort from the pier.
Caught the 8am boat to the mainland, approx 40 mins, then taxi to the airport 1hr15mins, for our flight at 11.30 from Kota Baru to K.L. Flight is 1hr, where we met our friends from Pai, Thailand and traveled to the city of Putrajaya, approx 40 mins taxi ride.
We are booked in at the Marriott, in Putrajaya. This banner is in the main lobby.
It's a huge complex and the main lobby is approx 2 acres big!!! Hotel is rated 5 star, so should enjoy some comforts!
Lovely deluxe room, with balcony and hot showers and sinks that don't drain out onto your feet!
Hotel room view.
Checked in , then lay out by the swimming pool. Pool is shaped like a Lagoon and it's huge.
In the afternoon, we caught the shuttle bus to the mall to stock up on goodies. Hard to believe that at 8am we were at the beach/jungle and by noon we were at a shopping mall in the heart of civilization! I prefer the jungle!!!!
Thursday
Derek had a flight in the morning, winds were calm and he flew for about 1hr. On the left is the main mosque of Putrajaya, and on the right is the Presidents residence.
The skies were gray and rain was on and off in the afternoon, so the flights were cancelled.
In the evening all the pilots were treated to a welcoming dinner and entertainment.
View of Putrajaya from the balloon. This city houses all the government buildings and each one had a different architect The lake is man made and the bridges were built first, then the area was flooded.
Our Japanese ( kamikaze ) friend, flying over the lake.
Flying over the government buildings.
Flying over the Palace of Justice.
Derek and Kamikaze captured in the reflective windows of a high rise.

One of the attractions in the festival is trying to maneuver these inflated balls along the river.
Levi's balloon got shipped here from Pattaya festival in Thailand.
Darth Vadar also made it.
Friday
Today is a holy day and we're not allowed to fly the balloons in the morning. So everyone was asked to tether. Such a waste of a beautiful morning but we have to respect these restrictions.
Derek managed to jump the fence with his balloon, and put an extra long tether rope on the basket, so it was almost like flying. Took up quite a few media people, so hope the event has good coverage.
Spent the morning tethering, refueled then had a good afternoon flight.

Derek landed in the entrance of one government building, which had about 20 security guards. They helped him land and positioned him away from the main road.

With so much help, we were packed away in no time! We're considering the request to land here again tomorrow!!

On the way home, we passed by the mosque. this is such a beautiful building, it is a major draw for tourist to this city.

March 15th

This is the reception area of the Butterfly chalets. (The one that lost 3 cabins to fire). Gives you some idea of the state of the cabins!! Thought this was under construction last year, but it seems to be in this state all the time.
Walked past this Monitor Lizard sunning its self. Tomorrow, we catch the first boat back to the main land. Then a taxi to the airport and fly to K.L. for a balloon festival in Putrajaya. Had a great time here in the Perhentian isalnds, would stay longer if possible.

March 13th

Here's one of the Monitor Lizards that are everywhere. They're very nervous and run away when you approach, thank god! This one was at the bottom of our balcony, so I managed to get this shot. He's about 3 feet long.
While sitting out, we asked for a coconut drink. This little Indian man actually climbed up the Palm Tree ( without any harness) and cut out a cluster of coconuts , tied them up and lowered them down. Then came down with such ease!
Here he is at the top of the tree, cutting off a cluster of coconuts.
Lowers the cluster to the beach.
Prepares each one, and sells them along the beach. What an entrepreneur !
The coconut milk tastes really sweet!!
Had to try and climb the tree myself, just to see how hard/easy it was. Got quite a way up, before I chickened out!!!
Sunset after the storm. Looks like weather will be back to normal tomorrow.