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BPN → KUL
Which side of the plane to sit from Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (Balikpapan) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of industrial landscapes, the dense heart of the Borneo rainforest, and a better perspective of the Kuala Lumpur skyline during the standard approach to KUL.
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Balikpapan Bay
Aerial view of Indonesia's 'Oil City' with its massive refineries and bustling harbor.
Borneo Rainforest
A breathtaking view of the dense, ancient canopy of Central and West Kalimantan.
Kapuas River
The winding, snake-like path of Indonesia's longest river cutting through the jungle.
Sarawak Coastline
The transition from land to the South China Sea near the Malaysian border.
KL Skyline
Excellent views of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower if the plane approaches KUL from the north.
The right side is best for morning flights to see the rainforest before convective clouds build up in the afternoon. During takeoff, you'll get a great look at the industrial infrastructure of Balikpapan. If the flight path enters KLIA from the east/north, the city view is significantly better on this side.
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Makassar Strait
Deep blue waters and heavy shipping traffic immediately after departing Balikpapan.
Java Sea Horizon
Expansive tropical sea views with distant glimpses of the Belitung island chain.
Southern Kalimantan Coast
Dense mangrove forests and the sprawling swampy terrain of the southern Borneo coastline.
Strait of Malacca
One of the world's busiest shipping lanes visible as you approach the Malay Peninsula.
Putrajaya Landmark
The planned administrative capital with its unique bridges and pink mosque during the final descent.
Sit toward the front to avoid wing obstruction. This side is particularly scenic for late afternoon flights as the sun sets over the sea, creating vibrant orange and purple horizons. Watch for the 'silt plumes' where Kalimantan's massive rivers discharge into the ocean.
Get eSIMs for Indonesia
Get eSIMs for MalaysiaDistance: 1,746 km (1,085 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 20 min
Departure: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)
Arrival: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)
Route Type: International
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