Helium balloons in Penang: what they cost and where to buy

The short version

A plain 12-inch latex balloon is RM7.90 with helium (RM5 with normal air) at Heyfloat, the one shop here that prices a single plain balloon. Penang shops that publish prices list an 18-inch bubble helium balloon at RM99 to RM108, as read on their own websites on 31 October 2026. Delivery inside Penang runs from free to RM50.

• Buy from a shop with an address or an online store you can contact. In February 2026 balloons seized from unlicensed traders in George Town exploded and injured two council officers.
• Heyfloat says a 12-inch latex balloon floats for "Approx. 6–8 Hours" and a bubble balloon for about 12 hours; Bamboo Green Florist says its helium air "can only last for max 8 hours". Collect or book delivery close to the party.
• Prices below are what each shop lists. Sizes, designs and what is included differ.

Published prices

Prices by business:

• A single plain balloon: Heyfloat lists a 12-inch standard latex balloon at RM7.90 filled with helium, or RM5 with normal air (you choose). It also sells a bunch of 6 chrome latex balloons with helium at RM39.90, and 50 standard latex helium balloons as a DIY package at RM399 on sale (regular price RM428).
• A 40-inch number balloon: Heyfloat lists a 40-inch number foil balloon at RM60 with helium and RM40 air-filled.
• 18-inch helium balloon: Heyfloat lists its 18-inch Rosalie Bubble Balloon (Helium Air) at RM99. Bamboo Green Florist lists its Helium Bobo Balloon in 18 inches at RM108.
• 24-inch helium balloon: Heyfloat lists a 24-inch Shimmer Glitter Bubble Balloon (Helium Air) from RM108, and a 24-inch Pearl Bubble Balloon at a sale price of RM179. Bamboo Green Florist lists the Helium Bobo Balloon in 24 inches at RM138.
• Large balloon with small ones: Bamboo Green Florist lists a helium balloon set (one large balloon and six standard balloons) at RM169 for the 18-inch size and RM219 for the 24-inch. Mcvis Florist lists its Helia (a transparent helium balloon with a bunch of mini balloons) at RM175. Heyfloat's 24-inch bubble balloon bunches start from RM139 (its Juliette Bubble Balloon Bunch, Helium Air); its 24-inch Midnight Bubble Balloon Bunch is from RM188.88.
• Delivery: Heyfloat charges RM20 for orders under RM199 on Penang Island, and nothing at RM199 and above. On the mainland (Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Perai, Juru, Simpang Ampat) it charges RM50 under RM199 and RM20 at RM199 and above. Mcvis Florist charges RM10 to RM50 by area in Penang.

A bubble balloon is a clear, round balloon, usually with a printed design or small balloons inside.

Gas tanks: Minii's Party, in Bukit Mertajam, lists a disposable helium gas tank from RM133.99 and a refillable 10-litre helium tank with gas from RM238. Only Minii's Party publishes a tank price.

Sources: Heyfloat, Bamboo Green Florist, Mcvis Florist and Minii's Party, read 2026-10-31.

Where to buy

• Heyfloat. Penang-based, sells by online order with delivery.
• Bamboo Green Florist. Penang florist that sells helium balloons online with delivery.
• Mcvis Florist. Shops at The Prestige Hotel in George Town and at Auto City in Bukit Mertajam; delivers across Penang from 10am to 6pm.
• Minii's Party. 5776 Jalan Seladang Satu, Taman Selamat, Bukit Mertajam. Its site says Penang area orders go by same-day Lalamove (a delivery app) or self pick-up.
• One Image Balloon. 27 Jalan Patani, George Town. Its site has a "Helium Bunches Balloon" range but shows no prices; it asks you to call 04 210 3452 or 012-473 8234.

What happened in George Town, and what to check

On 1 February 2026, during Thaipusam in George Town, balloons that Penang Island City Council (MBPP) officers had seized from unlicensed traders exploded while officers tried to burst them, and two officers were hurt.

Early reports differed on the gas. Malay Mail's report of 2 February says "Preliminary investigations found the balloons were filled with hydrogen gas", and quoted an official calling hydrogen "highly flammable". Free Malaysia Today reported the same day that the gas "has yet to be identified".

On 9 February, after the incident, MBPP's mayor said the council's review of its rules on gas-filled balloons "would cover the types of gas allowed", and that "the ban on selling gas-filled balloons is already in place". He also said: "Some gases are dangerous while others are not." The reports do not say which gases or which sellers the ban covers.

• Buy from a business with a fixed address or an online store you can contact afterwards.
• Ask what gas is in the balloons if the seller does not say.
• Do not buy balloons from an unlicensed seller.

Sources: Malay Mail, 2 February 2026, Free Malaysia Today, 2 February 2026 and Malay Mail (Bernama), 9 February 2026.

What to ask before you order

• Is it filled with helium or normal air? Heyfloat asks you to pick helium or normal air for each balloon, and prices air-filled number balloons lower.
• How long will it float? Heyfloat says about 6 to 8 hours for a 12-inch latex balloon and about 12 hours for a bubble balloon; Bamboo Green Florist says at most 8 hours.
• Is delivery included? Heyfloat's delivery is free from RM199 on the island; Mcvis Florist charges RM10 to RM50 by area.
• Is the balloon set sold with the small balloons? Bamboo Green Florist's set includes 6 standard balloons with the large one.

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