Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026

The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual event inaugurated in 2015, held every February at the Polo Ground in George Town. It is the only hot air balloon festival on an island in Malaysia, attracting both local and international balloonists.

For 2026, the festival will showcase about 15 hot air balloons, with crews from Malaysia and countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States. Visitors can enjoy giant balloons, tethered rides, night glow displays, and family-friendly activities.

The event has previously drawn crowds of over 170,000 visitors (2017 edition), making it one of Penang’s most popular tourism festivals.

Event Highlights

• Hot Air Balloon Displays: 15 balloons from Malaysia and international crews
• Tethered Balloon Rides: Short flights for visitors (ticketed)
• Night Glow Show: Illuminated balloons set to music in the evening
• Family Activities: Workshops, food stalls, and cultural performances
• Tourism Promotion: Key event under Visit Malaysia and Penang tourism campaigns