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UNG destination photo
DAU destination photo

UNGDAU

Which side of the plane to sit from Kiunga Airport (Kiunga) to Daru Airport (Daru)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🐍

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.4
🛶

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.

Top Activities in Daru
Route Information

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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