Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Mahakam delta and Makassar Strait during departure, then the Banda Sea crossing offers open water views, and the approach to Melbourne provides views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Left seats miss the river delta entirely and offer less varied scenery during the long overwater segment.
Flown BPN to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Balikpapan to Melbourne is 3,078 miles (4,954 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Makassar Strait, Banda Sea crossing, Timor Sea, scattered Indonesian islands (Flores, Timor), Ashmore and Cartier Islands reef system, Tasman Sea approach to Australian coast
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BPN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mahakam River delta and coastal wetlands as the aircraft climbs northeast over the Makassar Strait. The river's distinctive braided channels and mangrove systems are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at MEL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Dandenong Ranges and the urban sprawl of Melbourne's eastern suburbs during the descent approach. The ranges' forested ridges and the contrast between green hills and suburban development create distinctive visual landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Balikpapan to Melbourne. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Mahakam delta and Makassar Strait during departure, then the Banda Sea crossing offers open water views, and the approach to Melbourne provides views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Left seats miss the river delta entirely and offer less varied scenery during the long overwater segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan?
During takeoff from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mahakam River delta and coastal wetlands as the aircraft climbs northeast over the Makassar Strait. The river's distinctive braided channels and mangrove systems are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mahakam River delta, Makassar Strait coastline, Balikpapan Bay, mangrove wetlands extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Dandenong Ranges and the urban sprawl of Melbourne's eastern suburbs during the descent approach. The ranges' forested ridges and the contrast between green hills and suburban development create distinctive visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River valley, Melbourne CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Balikpapan to Melbourne?
The flight from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,078 miles (4,954 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Balikpapan to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Makassar Strait, Banda Sea crossing, Timor Sea, scattered Indonesian islands (Flores, Timor), Ashmore and Cartier Islands reef system, Tasman Sea approach to Australian coast