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NRT destination photo
BKI destination photo

NRTBKI

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a world-class view of Mount Fuji shortly after takeoff and follows the scenic Japanese archipelago and Taiwan's mountainous spine.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
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Mount Fuji

The most iconic view of the route; the snow-capped volcano is usually visible on the right roughly 15-20 minutes after takeoff.

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Okinawa Islands

Aerial perspectives of the Ryukyu island chain, featuring emerald waters and distinct coral fringing reefs.

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Taiwanese Highlands

The rugged, cloud-piercing peaks of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range as the flight passes the island's western side.

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South China Sea Sunset

If flying in the afternoon, the right side provides a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets over the open ocean.

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Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Views of Gaya, Sapi, and Manukan islands just offshore from Kota Kinabalu during the landing approach.

Sit on the right (usually seat K) to see Mount Fuji. To avoid the wing obstructing your view of the islands and the Fuji peak, choose a seat well in front of or behind the wing section. Afternoon flights will have direct sun on this side.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
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Tokyo Bay Metropolis

Panoramic views of the industrial ports, Chiba coastline, and the dense urban sprawl of the Greater Tokyo Area.

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Pacific Blue

Endless horizons of the Philippine Sea as the flight tracks south along the deeper edge of the Japanese shelf.

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Mount Kinabalu

Borneo's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, visible inland to the east during the final descent into BKI.

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Sabah Coral Reefs

Vibrant turquoise coral formations and shallow sandbars visible as the aircraft approaches the Borneo coastline.

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Tropical Cloudscapes

Massive towering cumulus clouds typical of the intertropical convergence zone near the equator.

For the best chance to see Mount Kinabalu, choose a window seat on the left. The mountain is most visible during morning arrivals before clouds gather around the peak. Seat A is standard for this side.

Top Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Route Information

Distance: 4,144 km (2,575 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 53 min

Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)

Arrival: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)

Route Type: International

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