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BKI → TWU
Which side of the plane to sit from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kota Kinabalu) to Tawau Airport (Tawau)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the undisputed winner for this route because it offers a direct and often clear view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, shortly after takeoff.
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Mount Kinabalu
The iconic 4,095m granite massif dominates the skyline shortly after departure from BKI.
Crocker Range
Aerial views of the rugged, forest-clad mountain range that forms the backbone of Sabah.
Mount Trusmadi
Malaysia's second-highest peak, often visible rising above the morning mist in the interior.
Sabah Highlands
Dense tropical canopy and mist-filled valleys of the Ranau and Tambunan districts.
Book an early morning flight (before 9:00 AM) to maximize your chances of seeing Mount Kinabalu, as it is frequently obscured by clouds later in the day. Sit toward the front or far back to avoid the wing blocking your view of the mountain peaks.
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Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Glimpses of the beautiful islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu during the initial climb.
Meandering Rivers
Winding brown and green river systems carving through the dense jungle floor of central Sabah.
Oil Palm Plantations
The vast, geometric green patterns of Sabah's agricultural landscape as you approach Tawau.
Cowie Bay
The coastal waters near the Indonesian border visible during the final descent into Tawau Airport.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the South China Sea during takeoff. It also provides an excellent perspective on the scale of the region's agricultural development during the descent into the Tawau basin.
Book Hotels in TawauDistance: 292 km (181 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 29 min
Departure: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)
Arrival: TWU (4.320159912109375, 118.12799835205078)
Route Type: Domestic
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