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PEN → KBR
Which side of the plane to sit from Penang International Airport (Penang) to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Kota Bahru)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most diverse scenery, starting with a view of Georgetown and the Penang coastline, followed by the majestic Temenggor Lake and the sprawling Kelantan River delta during the descent.
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Georgetown Cityscape
Aerial view of the UNESCO World Heritage site and the iconic Komtar tower shortly after takeoff.
Gurney Drive
The scenic northern waterfront of Penang Island with its high-rise skyline and promenade.
Temenggor Lake
A massive, deep blue man-made lake located within the ancient Royal Belum State Park.
Northern Titiwangsa
The rugged northern reaches of Malaysia's main mountain range near the Thai border.
Kelantan River Delta
The complex network of river channels and lush islands as you approach Sultan Ismail Petra Airport.
Sit on the left for the best views of Georgetown if the plane takes off towards the north. Early morning flights are highly recommended to catch the sunrise over the South China Sea and to avoid the thick afternoon cumulus clouds that often obscure the mountain range. During the monsoon season (Nov-Jan), the delta views on the left are particularly dramatic due to higher water levels.
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Penang Bridges
Panoramic views of both the first Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.
Butterworth Port
The busy industrial shipping terminals and logistics hubs on the mainland side of the strait.
Belum Rainforest
Aerial perspective of one of the world's oldest rainforests, showing an endless green canopy.
Mountain Ridges
Deep valleys and sharp granite ridges of the Titiwangsa Range's central backbone.
Pantai Cahaya Bulan
The golden coastline of Kelantan stretching southward as the aircraft aligns for landing.
The right side is excellent for viewing the engineering marvels of the Penang bridges during a southward departure. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic mountain ridge silhouettes. If the flight path takes a southern loop, you might even spot the Pergau Dam nestled in the highlands. Use a polarizing filter if photographing to cut through the tropical haze.
Book Hotels in Kota BahruDistance: 243 km (151 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 24 min
Departure: PEN (5.297140121459961, 100.2770004272461)
Arrival: KBR (6.166850090026856, 102.29299926757812)
Route Type: Domestic
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