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LDU → BKI
Which side of the plane to sit from Lahad Datu Airport (Lahad Datu) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kota Kinabalu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the definitive choice for this route, offering a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu and the dramatic northern slopes of the Crocker Range.
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Mount Kinabalu
The 4,095-meter granite peak of Malaysia's highest mountain is visible to the north mid-flight.
Kinabatangan Basin
Expansive views of the floodplains and serpentine river bends shortly after departing Lahad Datu.
Kundasang Highlands
The patchwork of high-altitude vegetable farms nestled at the base of the mountain.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Beautiful turquoise waters and coral-ringed islands like Gaya and Sapi during the final approach.
Priority #1 is visibility of Mount Kinabalu; book the earliest morning flight possible (7 AM - 9 AM) as the peak typically becomes obscured by clouds by midday. The mountain will appear about halfway through the short flight. Have your camera ready early, as the transition from the jungle to the mountain is rapid.
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Danum Valley Hinterlands
Deep green vistas of some of the world's oldest primary tropical rainforests shortly after takeoff.
Crocker Range Ridges
Aerial views of the rugged mountain spine that divides Sabah's east and west coasts.
South China Sea Coastline
The final descent provides a view of the coastline south of Kota Kinabalu and the Putatan area.
This side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct northern sun glare. It offers a closer look at the dense jungle terrain of the Sabah interior. Watch for the winding river systems that appear like silver threads through the canopy.
Get eSIMs for Malaysia
Get eSIMs for MalaysiaDistance: 271 km (168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 27 min
Departure: LDU (5.032249927520752, 118.3239974975586)
Arrival: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)
Route Type: Domestic
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