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PLW → BPN
Which side of the plane to sit from Mutiara Airport (Palu) to Sultan Aji Muhamad Sulaiman Airport (Balikpapan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more comprehensive view of the Palu valley upon departure and provides a front-row seat to Balikpapan's impressive industrial bay and city skyline during the descent.
Search flights from PLW to BPN
Palu Valley
Dramatic views of the narrow valley flanked by steep mountains immediately after takeoff from PLW.
Palu Bay Shoreline
A clear view of the southern curve of the bay and the urban sprawl of Palu city.
Balikpapan Bay
The bustling maritime activity of one of Indonesia's busiest ports, filled with tankers and cargo ships.
Oil Refineries
Spectacular views of the massive Pertamina refinery complexes that define the Balikpapan landscape.
Balikpapan Skyline
Detailed views of the city's coastal hotels and shopping malls during the final turn into BPN.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh western sun over the Makassar Strait. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of the flight; the approach into BPN from the south provides an excellent overview of the city's industrial heart. During the monsoon season (December-March), the morning light often highlights the deep greens of the Palu valley mountains.
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Donggala Peninsula
The rugged, forested tip of Central Sulawesi as the plane heads west over the open sea.
Makassar Strait
Deep blue waters with occasional sightings of traditional Phinisi schooners and international shipping lanes.
Kalimantan Rainforest
Dense, undulating green canopy of the East Kalimantan interior as you approach the coastline.
Sepinggan Coast
The long, sandy stretches of Manggar Beach and the coastal road leading into the airport.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Kalimantan horizon. As you cross the Makassar Strait, watch for the distinct 'cloud streets' that often form over the water. This side is typically quieter for photography as it looks away from the sun during the primary morning flight schedule.
Book Hotels in BalikpapanDistance: 338 km (210 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: PLW (-0.9185420274734496, 119.91000366210938)
Arrival: BPN (-1.2682700157200002, 116.893997192)
Route Type: Domestic
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