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BKI → NRT
Which side of the plane to sit from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kota Kinabalu) to Narita International Airport (Tokyo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers a dramatic view of Mount Kinabalu shortly after takeoff and the potential for a spectacular sighting of Mount Fuji during the descent into Tokyo.
Mount Kinabalu
Visible shortly after departure from BKI, the granite peaks of Southeast Asia's highest mountain rise dramatically above the rainforest.
Palawan Coastline
Glance down to see the turquoise waters and limestone karsts of the northern Philippine islands and the South China Sea.
Manila Bay
The flight path often passes west of Luzon, providing distant views of the Manila metropolitan area and its massive natural harbor.
Mount Fuji
During the descent into Narita from the south, the iconic snow-capped cone often appears on the horizon to the west.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see Mount Kinabalu within the first 20 minutes of flight. For the arrival into Narita, the left side is usually the only side from which Mount Fuji is visible. For day flights, the left side also avoids the harshest direct sunlight when flying northward.
Northern Borneo Jungles
Views of the dense tropical canopy and winding river systems of the Sabah interior as the plane climbs to cruise altitude.
Sierra Madre Range
The rugged, forest-covered mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of Luzon in the Philippines.
Batanes Islands
Remote, windswept islands located in the Luzon Strait between the Philippines and Taiwan, often visible in clear weather.
Kujukuri Beach
One of Japan's longest sandy beaches, stretching along the Pacific coast of Chiba Prefecture just before landing at Narita.
The right side is ideal for passengers who enjoy sunrise views over the Pacific Ocean on early morning departures. During the final approach to NRT, the right side provides a great perspective of the rural landscapes and golf courses of the Chiba countryside.
Distance: 4,144 km (2,575 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 53 min
Departure: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)
Arrival: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Route Type: International
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