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SDK → KUL
Which side of the plane to sit from Sandakan Airport (Sandakan) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the definitive choice for this route, primarily for the spectacular, albeit distant, view of Mount Kinabalu shortly after departure from Sandakan as the aircraft tracks westward across Borneo.
Mount Kinabalu
The majestic granite peaks of Southeast Asia's highest mountain visible to the north shortly after the plane reaches cruising altitude.
Crocker Range
The spine of Sabah's mountain range, featuring deep valleys and cloud-topped ridges stretching towards the horizon.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Deep-sea platforms and infrastructure of the Sabah Basin visible as tiny industrial islands in the South China Sea.
Titiwangsa Mountains
The main mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia appearing as the aircraft begins its descent towards Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur Skyline
On clear days during a northern approach, look for the distant silhouettes of the Petronas Twin Towers and Merdeka 118.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see Mount Kinabalu; however, cloud cover is common after 10:00 AM, so early morning flights are highly recommended. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff. As you approach KUL, this side often provides a broader panoramic view of the Titiwangsa mountain range and the outskirts of the Greater Klang Valley.
Labuk Bay Mangroves
Dense, vibrant green mangrove forests and winding river estuaries visible immediately after takeoff from Sandakan.
Sarawak Coastline
Distant views of the rugged Sarawak coastline and the river deltas of the Rajang River during the mid-flight cruise.
South China Sea Shipping
A vast blue expanse dotted with cargo ships and tankers navigating the busy maritime lanes toward the Malacca Strait.
Negeri Sembilan Plantations
The geometric patterns of vast palm oil estates that dominate the landscape during the descent into the Klang Valley.
Port Dickson Coast
The popular coastline of Port Dickson and the Cape Rachado Lighthouse visible if the flight patterns approach KUL from the south.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the South China Sea. During the descent, this side offers a better view of the agricultural landscape of Peninsular Malaysia's west coast. Ensure you use a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine glare and capture the reflection of the sun on the water.
Distance: 1,846 km (1,147 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 28 min
Departure: SDK (5.900899887084961, 118.05899810791016)
Arrival: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)
Route Type: Domestic
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