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TPE → BKI
Which side of the plane to sit from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Kota Kinabalu)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers views of the rugged spine of Taiwan, the stunning Palawan archipelago, and the iconic Mount Kinabalu upon descent into Borneo.
Search flights from TPE to BKI
Taiwan Central Range
Stunning views of Taiwan's mountainous interior and the lush greenery of the west coast shortly after takeoff from TPE.
Palawan Archipelago
Breathtaking aerial vistas of the turquoise lagoons and limestone cliffs of northern Palawan and El Nido as you cross the Philippines.
Mount Kinabalu
The majestic granite peaks of Southeast Asia's highest mountain usually appear on the left during the descent into Kota Kinabalu.
Borneo Rainforest
Expansive views of the dense tropical canopy and winding river systems of Sabah as the aircraft aligns for its final approach.
Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of Mount Kinabalu isn't obstructed. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the convective clouds that often shroud the mountain peaks in the afternoon. Look out for the distinct blue waters of the South China Sea meeting the coral reefs of the Philippine islands roughly halfway through the flight.
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Taiwan Strait
A vast expanse of blue water dotted with cargo ships and tankers navigating one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Clear views of the five islands (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug) surrounded by vibrant coral reefs just off the coast of BKI.
South China Sea Sunset
On late afternoon flights, this side offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets over the open ocean.
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
Aerial view of the city's coastal development and the bustling Jesselton Point ferry terminal during the final landing phase.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the sea. This side also provides a great perspective of the tropical islands located just a few kilometers from the city center during the final turn into the airport. Keep a camera ready for the reef patterns visible in the shallow waters near the runway.
Book Hotels in Kota KinabaluDistance: 2,199 km (1,366 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: TPE (25.0777, 121.233002)
Arrival: BKI (5.9372100830078125, 116.0510025024414)
Route Type: International
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