Dine on a high

If you're seeking a new dining experience, it's time for you to get on board. Literally.

Strap in and get lifted over 45 metres into the air while tucking into a four-course meal with Dinner In The Sky Malaysia.

The Belgian-based novelty service, introduced in May 2006 in Brussels, has since hosted over 5,000 dinner events in 40 cities around the world.

This is its third return to South-east Asia.

Held in Kuala Lumpur last year and Penang in February, the hour-long dining experience made its debut in Johorlast Friday at Puteri Harbour, and will run for a month.

SCENIC: Reporter Natasha Meah taking in the view at Puteri Harbour. PHOTOS: TNP / CHOO CHWEE HUA

Celebrity blogger Wendy Cheng, aka Xiaxue, who attended the media launch last Sunday, told The New Paper: "It wasn't scary at all because the table is very stable. It was very romantic and unique, with a fantastic view. I will definitely go again if I have the chance.

"I love how the seats can rotate - you go from feeling very safe and secure to being petrified because your feet are dangling in the air."

Celebrity chef Justin Quek of Sky On 57 at Marina Bay Sands agreed that it's "an amazing concept" although he thought the food selection could be "refined".

He said: "They should have more prestigious dishes and serve different beverages other than just water.

"They can also have themes instead of following the same menu every day."

Mr Arvin Randahwa, chief executive officer of 2Spicy Entertainment which brought Dinner In The Sky to Malaysia, said: "It's only natural to target Singaporeans as Singapore is only 20 minutes' away.

"It's not the same as the Singapore Flyer - there are no walls around you. It's also really affordable for Singaporeans."

Here are four things you need to know about Dinner In The Sky Malaysia.

UPLIFTING: A crane is used to lift the platform, which can seat up to 22 diners, 45 metres into the air.

FOOD

The four-course meal comprises cold starter, soup, main course (choice of lamb, chicken, wagyu beef or cod fish) and dessert. They are prepared by Tosca Trattoria Italiana of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru.

There is also a separate menu for vegetarians.

The table seats a maximum of 22 diners who are joined by the chef on the crane-lifted platform.

The food is prepared in advance and stored in heated trays.

RESTRICTIONS

The event is open to anyone in good health and above the age of 18. Diners must be at least 1.45m tall and lighter than 150kg.

Pregnant women are not allowed but the experience is possible for wheelchair users and people with mild disabilities.

SAFETY

While seated guests wear safety belts, the standing presenter and two crew members are secured with safety harnesses. A safety supervisor is in constant communication with the crane operator and ground crew.

Diners are advised to use the restroom prior to taking their seats.

In case of emergency, the platform is lowered.

If it rains, the platform is lowered to the ground and the rest of the dinner continues in an indoor lounge.

KEEP IT SMALL

No bulky items like big bags or cameras are allowed on the table. They can be kept in lockers on the ground at the indoor lounge.

Only mobile phones, GoPros, drone cameras and compact SLR cameras that are no bigger than the size of your palm are allowed.

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FYI

What: Dinner In The Sky Malaysia

Where: Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya, Johor


When: Till June 19, 7pm and 8.30pm daily 


Tickets: RM599 (S$203) and RM699 from www.dinnerinthesky.my