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AKL → KUL
Which side of the plane to sit from Auckland International Airport (Auckland) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic Indonesian volcanic arc, the vast Australian Outback, and the rugged West Coast of New Zealand upon departure.
Waitakere Ranges
Breathtaking views of Auckland's black sand beaches and lush rainforests shortly after takeoff.
The Red Centre
Vibrant orange and red landscapes as the flight crosses the heart of the Australian Outback.
East Java Volcanoes
Spectacular sightings of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru's smoking peaks as you traverse Indonesia.
Sumatra Coastline
The dense tropical forests and coastal wetlands of Sumatra as you approach the Malacca Strait.
Strait of Malacca
One of the world's busiest shipping lanes, filled with massive cargo ships near the KUL approach.
Sit on the left for the best views of the sunrise if departing AKL in the morning. During the mid-flight crossing of Indonesia, keep your window shade open to spot the stratovolcanoes of Java; they are most clear during the dry season (May to September). For the final descent into KUL, the left side often provides a better view of the surrounding palm oil plantations.
Hauraki Gulf
Aerial views of Rangitoto Island and the Coromandel Peninsula during the initial climb.
Great Barrier Reef
The southern fringes of the world's largest coral reef system are often visible when crossing the Queensland coast.
Arafura Sea
Deep blue waters dotted with remote islands between northern Australia and Indonesia.
Bali and Lombok
Distant views of the iconic Gili Islands and the coastline of Bali to the north.
Kuala Lumpur Skyline
On specific flight paths, a distant glimpse of the Petronas Twin Towers during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for spotting the turquoise waters of the Australian coastline and the scattered islands of the Indonesian archipelago. If on a night flight, this side avoids the direct glare of the sun during the long westward trek. Be sure to check the weather; seasonal haze in Southeast Asia (June to October) can sometimes obscure the ground views.
Distance: 8,703 km (5,408 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 14 min
Departure: AKL (-37.0080986023, 174.792007446)
Arrival: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)
Route Type: International
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