text: Above and Beyond » MAXX-M
  A hot air balloon ride allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get away from it all. Moving with the wind, the balloon will fly effortlessly through the air, providing you with supreme – unforgettable views of the world below.
  Hot air ballooning experience sure has to be on everyone's bucket list nowadays, especially for every sky venture lover out there, imagine soaring through the blue sky in total peace and tranquillity while you enjoy an unparalleled view of the Earth' surface below. There are several places that claim to be the best to revel in a 360-degree view of Earth's most scenic landscaped, hovering high and low on a thrilling hot-air balloon ride. A few of them are the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Cappadocia in Turkey, Napa Valley in California, Albuquerque in Mexico, Queenstown in New Zealand, Chateau-d'Oex in Switzerland and the Atacama Desert in Chile.
  But one of the rising locations in the industry is in Myanmar, thanks to the slow economic growth in this country which has contributed to the preservation of much of its environment and ecosystems. Numerous parks and lakes, beautiful temples, and pagodas, and also dense forests and diverse animals (including over 800 species of birds) offers remarkable scenery from above. Shan state is one of Myanmar's most beautiful and culturally diverse area; the hot air balloon will take you to the most stunning sites of Inle Lake and Pindaya in a style and manner reminiscent of the great days of luxury travel. You will see the morning fishermen fishing for the first catch of the day at Inle Lake, and boats laden with produce on their way to the market by the immense labyrinth of canals. At higher altitude, you will be amazed to see thousands of village houses seemingly floating on the lake.
  Reminiscent of the rolling hills of Tuscany, Pindaya is set against some of the highest Shan Mountains, and it is a delight to see from the air. The balloon will fly along the mountain valley, passing tiny Shan hamlets and hilltop pagodas, occasionally swooping down to the delight of villagers who have never seen a hot air balloon before, while the fields are awash with colour, with swathes of green and yellow against brilliant blue skies. Site seeing on a balloon is a true one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and gain a unique perspective of the country and its people.
  For more information visit www.balloonsoverbagan.com
  Text by Dennis Latief | Photos courtesy of Balloons over Bagan
  Start your Chinese New Year's Celebration at Grand Hyatt Jakarta on 15 February 2018 in the hotel's Grand [...]