Loading map...
HGH → BKI
Which side of the plane to sit from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (Hangzhou) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kota Kinabalu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the dramatic Fujian coastline and, most importantly, the majestic Mount Kinabalu during the final approach into Sabah.
Search flights from HGH to BKI
Fujian Coastal Ribbons
Exquisite views of the rugged coastline and numerous small islands dotting the East China Sea.
Xiamen Island
A clear view of the urban landscape and bridge networks of this major coastal city.
South China Sea Shipping Lanes
Spot large cargo vessels and tankers navigating one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.
Mount Kinabalu
The iconic granite peaks of Malaysia's first World Heritage site appearing during descent.
Sabah Rainforest Canopy
Lush tropical greenery and winding rivers as the plane enters Bornean airspace.
Choose a seat well ahead of the wing for the best photography. On morning flights, the sun rises on this side, providing beautiful 'golden hour' light on the Chinese coast, but bring an eye mask for the mid-flight glare. The view of Mount Kinabalu is highly dependent on cloud cover, which is typically clearer in the early morning than in the afternoon.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for Malaysia
Qiantang River
Dramatic views of the massive river and Hangzhou's rapid urban expansion immediately after takeoff.
Wuyi Mountains
The verdant, mist-covered peaks of Fujian province's inland mountain ranges.
Pearl River Delta
Distant glimpses of the sprawling megalopolis including the Shenzhen and Hong Kong skylines.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Clusters of turquoise islands and coral reefs just offshore from Kota Kinabalu.
South China Sea Sunset
Unobstructed views of the sun dipping below the horizon on late afternoon flights.
The right side is superior for sunset flights, offering spectacular orange and purple horizons over the ocean. During the final approach to BKI, look out for the white sand beaches of Gaya and Manukan Islands. This side generally experiences less direct sun glare during the southbound journey in the morning.
Book Hotels in Kota KinabaluDistance: 2,740 km (1,703 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 39 min
Departure: HGH (30.22949981689453, 120.43399810791016)
Arrival: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.