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KUL destination photo
SDK destination photo

KULSDK

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu and the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea as you approach the East Coast of Sabah.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

South China Sea Crossings

Expansive views of the deep blue ocean with occasional sightings of offshore oil platforms and remote coral atolls.

🏔️

Mount Kinabalu

A breathtaking view of Southeast Asia's highest peak piercing through the clouds as the plane traverses northern Borneo.

🏝️

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Aerial perspective of the cluster of islands including Gaya and Manukan near the Kota Kinabalu coastline.

🚢

Sandakan Harbour

Clear views of the bustling port, colorful stilt villages (Water Villages), and the Sulu Sea upon the final descent.

Book an early morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to maximize the chance of seeing Mount Kinabalu before the daily tropical cloud cover sets in. Sit several rows ahead of or behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the mountain peak.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

Kuala Lumpur Cityscape

Panoramic views of the Klang Valley and the Titiwangsa Range immediately following takeoff from KUL.

🌳

Borneo Interior

Deep green vistas of the rugged Trusmadi Range and the dense tropical rainforests of central Sabah.

🐍

Kinabatangan River

The dramatic, snake-like meanders of Malaysia's second-longest river cutting through the lowland forests.

🚜

Agricultural Patterns

Extensive and geometric palm oil plantations that dominate the landscape of eastern Sabah near Sandakan.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your eyes peeled as you enter Sabah's airspace to spot the complex river systems that are vital to the local ecosystem.

Top Activities in Sandakan
Route Information

Distance: 1,846 km (1,147 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 28 min

Departure: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)

Arrival: SDK (5.900899887084961, 118.05899810791016)

Route Type: Domestic

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