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IST → KUL
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for mountain enthusiasts and coastline views, offering a glimpse of the Alborz range in Iran and the stunning tropical islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula during descent.
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Pontic Mountains
Lush green mountain ranges of northern Turkey visible shortly after departure from Istanbul.
Mount Damavand
Iran's iconic volcanic peak and highest mountain, standing tall north of the flight path over Tehran.
Indus River Valley
The sprawling, fertile agricultural plains and river systems of Pakistan and Northern India.
Myeik Archipelago
Stunning clusters of hundreds of tropical islands off the coast of Myanmar in the Andaman Sea.
Titiwangsa Range
The dense, rainforest-covered mountain spine of Peninsular Malaysia during the final approach.
For the best experience, choose a window seat on the left for a daylight arrival in Kuala Lumpur to see the Andaman coastline. If the flight is overnight, this side provides the best sunrise views over the Bay of Bengal. Use a flight tracker to spot Mount Damavand when passing north of Tehran.
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Bosphorus Strait
The historical waterway dividing Europe and Asia, often visible during the climb out of Istanbul.
Dasht-e Kavir
The Great Salt Desert of Iran, featuring surreal salt crusts and vast arid landscapes.
Bay of Bengal
A long, peaceful segment over deep blue waters, often showcasing massive tropical cloud formations.
Strait of Malacca
A high-density shipping lane visible near the Malaysian coast, packed with cargo ships and tankers.
Kuala Lumpur Cityscape
Views of the Klang Valley and occasionally the Petronas Twin Towers depending on the landing runway.
The right side is ideal for night departures to capture the glowing lights of Istanbul. During the monsoon season (May to October), look out for spectacular lightning displays over the Bay of Bengal at night. On arrival, the right side often provides a better view of the massive Port Klang shipping hub.
Book Hotels in Kuala LumpurDistance: 8,387 km (5,211 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 52 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)
Route Type: International
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