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KUL destination photo
BKI destination photo

KULBKI

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side is the clear winner for the approach into Kota Kinabalu, providing a breathtaking perspective of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding Crocker Range, especially on clear mornings.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🚢

Straits of Melaka

Depending on the departure runway, you may catch a glimpse of the heavy maritime traffic in the world's busiest shipping lane.

🌳

Bornean Rainforest

As the plane crosses into Sabah, see the dense, ancient canopy of the tropical rainforest meeting the coastline.

🏝️

Labuan Island

On a southerly flight path, the federal territory of Labuan and its surrounding smaller islands are often visible mid-flight.

🏔️

Mount Kinabalu

The crowning jewel of the flight. The massive granite peaks of South East Asia's highest mountain appear majestic on the approach.

⛰️

Crocker Range

The rugged mountain chain that borders the coastal plains of Kota Kinabalu, offering dramatic terrain views during descent.

To see Mount Kinabalu, book a morning flight (between 07:00 and 09:00). Tropical clouds usually build up around the mountain by midday, obscuring the peak. Sit several rows away from the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Crocker Range during the descent into Runway 02.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Putrajaya & KL Skyline

Shortly after takeoff from KUL, look out for the planned city of Putrajaya and the distant silhouette of the Petronas Twin Towers.

⛰️

Titiwangsa Range

View the lush green ridges of the Main Range, which forms the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia.

🌊

South China Sea

An expansive view of the turquoise waters, often dotted with offshore oil platforms and international shipping vessels.

🏝️

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

During the final descent into BKI, enjoy a bird's-eye view of Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sapi's coral reefs.

The Left Side is ideal for late afternoon flights, offering spectacular tropical sunsets over the South China Sea. If landing from the north (Runway 20), this side also provides an alternative angle of the city and mountain, though this approach is less frequent than the southern one.

Top Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Route Information

Distance: 1,629 km (1,012 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 10 min

Departure: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)

Arrival: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)

Route Type: Domestic

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