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JHB → TWU
Which side of the plane to sit from Senai International Airport (Johor Bahru) to Tawau Airport (Tawau)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Sarawak and Sabah coastline as you cross the South China Sea, including potential distant views of Mount Kinabalu during the descent phase into Tawau.
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South China Sea Crossing
Expansive views of turquoise waters and scattered shipping vessels navigating the busy maritime lanes between West and East Malaysia.
Sarawak Shoreline
As the aircraft approaches Borneo, the rugged coastline of Sarawak and the mouth of the Rejang River are often visible in the distance.
Crocker Range Peaks
On clear days during the descent, the silhouette of the Crocker Range and the iconic peak of Mount Kinabalu may appear to the north.
Cowie Bay
The approach into Tawau provides a scenic view of the sheltered Cowie Bay and the bustling maritime activity near the port.
Tawau Town Center
A close-up view of the urban layout of Tawau, Malaysia's third-largest city in Sabah, just before touching down.
For the best experience, choose a window seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights (departing 7 AM - 10 AM) are highly recommended, as the tropical sun illuminates the Borneo coastline from the east and there is typically less cloud cover over the mountains.
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Riau Archipelago
Shortly after takeoff from Senai, look out for the numerous small islands belonging to Indonesia's Riau province.
Meandering Rivers
Aerial views of the massive, winding river systems of interior Borneo, cutting through the dense jungle canopy.
Heart of Borneo
Views of the vast tropical rainforests and the border regions between Malaysian Sabah and Indonesian North Kalimantan.
Agricultural Mosaics
Intricate geometric patterns of oil palm plantations that dominate the landscape surrounding the Tawau region.
The right side is excellent for observing the sheer scale of the Borneo rainforest and the complex river networks. During afternoon flights, this side may experience more direct sun glare, so bring sunglasses or keep the shade partially lowered until the descent begins.
Book Hotels in TawauDistance: 1,633 km (1,015 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 11 min
Departure: JHB (1.6413099999999998, 103.669998)
Arrival: TWU (4.320159912109375, 118.12799835205078)
Route Type: Domestic
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