Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Sydney's harbour and mountains on departure, then the extended view across the Tasman Sea and Coral Sea during cruise, and finally the Strait of Malacca approach on descent. Left side has merit for landing but offers less overall visual interest for the majority of the flight.
Flown BWU to XSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Singapore is 3,910 miles (6,292 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (featureless open ocean), then passes over or near the Australian east coast including the Great Barrier Reef region (visible as turquoise waters and reef patterns at lower altitudes), before heading northwest across the Coral Sea toward the Indonesian archipelago. The Arafura Sea separates Australia from Indonesia. As the aircraft approaches Southeast Asia, the Indonesian islands become visible—Timor, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and eventually Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The Strait of Malacca narrows the approach to Singapore.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTRight side offers views of Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains to the west. Bankstown Airport sits southwest of central Sydney, so climbing westward on departure gives immediate views of the harbour's northern beaches and the escarpment edge.
Landing at XSP
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Strait of Malacca approach and Singapore's northern coastline. Aircraft typically descend over the strait from the northwest, making the left side ideal for seeing the water approach, Malaysian peninsula coastline, and Singapore's industrial northern shore near Seletar.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Seletar (XSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Singapore. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Sydney's harbour and mountains on departure, then the extended view across the Tasman Sea and Coral Sea during cruise, and finally the Strait of Malacca approach on descent. Left side has merit for landing but offers less overall visual interest for the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains to the west. Bankstown Airport sits southwest of central Sydney, so climbing westward on departure gives immediate views of the harbour's northern beaches and the escarpment edge. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour, Blue Mountains (distant western horizon), Parramatta River, Nepean River valley.
What can I see when landing at Seletar in Singapore?
When landing at Seletar (XSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Strait of Malacca approach and Singapore's northern coastline. Aircraft typically descend over the strait from the northwest, making the left side ideal for seeing the water approach, Malaysian peninsula coastline, and Singapore's industrial northern shore near Seletar. Notable sights include: Strait of Malacca, Johor Strait, Malaysian peninsula coastline, Singapore's northern industrial areas.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Singapore?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Seletar (XSP) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,910 miles (6,292 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Singapore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (featureless open ocean), then passes over or near the Australian east coast including the Great Barrier Reef region (visible as turquoise waters and reef patterns at lower altitudes), before heading northwest across the Coral Sea toward the Indonesian archipelago. The Arafura Sea separates Australia from Indonesia. As the aircraft approaches Southeast Asia, the Indonesian islands become visible—Timor, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and eventually Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The Strait of Malacca narrows the approach to Singapore.