首届气球节 印度千余人排长队试坐

From books to balloons now where Indonesians have put aside traditional modes of transport and taken to the skies. For many, a balloon ride is associated with something from a childhood fantasy.

Let's take us to an Indonesian balloon festival to see how the dream of flying has become a reality.

More than a thousand people waited for hours on Sunday in Sentul, on the outskirts of eastern Jakarta, to ride hot air balloons at the festival.

Many countries took part in the 3-day festival, that saw more than 2500 people participate.

Passengers queued up in the early hours of the morning, but their high spirits weren't dampened by the long wait.

Nari, Balloon Passenger, said, "I am so excited and a little bit worried because this is my first balloon ride."

Pilots were worried about Indonesia's uNPRedictable weather. But many participants weren't bothered, holding high hopes for future events.

Myrna, Balloon Passenger, said, "It feels good up there but we could not fly higher. I hope there will be the same event next year and I can fly higher."

The hot air balloons fly twice a day, from 6 to 9 in the morning and between 6 and 9 in the evening, so passengers can watch the sunrise and sunset, from high above the ground.