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UNG → DAU
Which side of the plane to sit from Kiunga Airport (Kiunga) to Daru Airport (Daru)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the massive Upper Fly wetlands and the distant expanse of Lake Murray, providing a broader perspective of the intricate river ecosystems.
Fly River Meanders
Witness the extreme winding curves of one of the world's most sinuous river systems cutting through deep jungle.
Strickland River Confluence
View the massive junction where the sediment-heavy Strickland River merges with the Fly, creating distinct water patterns.
Lake Murray Vistas
In the distance, see the sprawling, irregular shoreline of PNG's largest lake, surrounded by dense tropical forest.
Vast Wetlands
An endless green carpet of floodplains and seasonal marshes that support incredible biodiversity.
Fly River Delta
The dramatic widening of the river as it approaches the Gulf of Papua, featuring numerous silt-formed islands.
Morning flights are highly recommended to avoid the heavy cloud cover that typically builds up over the rainforest by mid-afternoon. Bring a polarizing lens or sunglasses to better see the reflection of the sky in the intricate floodplains. Watch for the 'tea-colored' water of the smaller tributaries mixing with the muddy main channel.
Oxbow Lakes
Clear views of perfectly formed horseshoe lakes created as the Fly River has changed its course over centuries.
Trans-Fly Ecoregion
Dense, untouched rainforest stretching westward toward the border with Indonesian West Papua.
Middle Fly Settlements
Small, isolated riverine villages and outposts that are only accessible by water or air.
Coastal Mangroves
The transition from freshwater rainforest to the thick mangrove forests of the southern coastline.
Daru Island Approach
A close-up view of the densely populated Daru Island and its busy waterfront as you descend.
Sit toward the front of the aircraft to avoid wing obstruction, as many flights on this route use high-wing Dash-8 or Twin Otter aircraft. On the approach to Daru, look for the traditional fishing canoes (lakatois) dotting the shallow waters between the mainland and the island. The late afternoon sun can create significant glare on this side when flying south, so early flights are preferable.
Distance: 392 km (244 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 39 min
Departure: UNG (-6.1257100105285645, 141.28199768066406)
Arrival: DAU (-9.08675956726, 143.207992554)
Route Type: Domestic
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