Melaka: The Melaka government today launched a new tourism attraction, the Skyview Hot Air Balloon, which will begin operations at Dataran Sejarah in Ayer Keroh on April 1, and will remain open for one and a half years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that initially, two hot air balloons would be in operation, with plans to increase the number to six depending on the response. Ticket prices are set at RM99 per person for domestic tourists and RM120 for international visitors. Residents of Melaka have the opportunity to enjoy the ride for RM70 per person from Tuesday to Thursday.

Ab Rauf elaborated that the Skyview Hot Air Balloon, accommodating a maximum of six passengers per gondola, will operate from Tuesday to Thursday between 5 pm and 11 pm, and from Friday to Sunday, from 4 pm to midnight. The ride offers a panoramic view of Melaka from a height of 200 feet (60.9 meters).

He emphasized that this new attraction aligns with Melaka's strategy to enhance the state's tourism sector globally, coinciding with the World Tourism Day celebration in September 2025 and Visit Melaka Year, which runs until 2026. The announcement was made at Dataran Sejarah, where the pre-launch event took place, attended by state Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Datin Sapiah Haron.