Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Singapore. The left side misses some of the Sri Lanka coastal drama at takeoff but wins on the approach into Singapore with the city skyline, Marina Bay, and the Strait views. Over the cruise portion, both sides see open water — the Bay of Bengal and then the Strait of Malacca region — so the landing view tips the balance to the left.

During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bandaranaike typically departs on runway 04 (northeast) or 22 (southwest). On a southeastbound departure toward Singapore, aircraft often climb out over the western coastal lowlands before banking left. The right side gives you the Sri Lankan coastline curving south toward Colombo city and the Indian Ocean, while the left side faces inland toward the flat agricultural plains. On runway 22 departures heading southwest, the right side still captures the coast and open ocean. Notable sights include: Colombo city waterfront and port to the south, Negombo Lagoon just north of the airport, Sri Lankan western coastline stretching toward Galle, Indian Ocean opening to the west.

When landing at Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Changi Airport typically uses runways 02/20 or 03/21. On approach from the northwest (coming from Sri Lanka), aircraft commonly fly a long final over the Strait of Malacca or the southern Malay Peninsula before lining up. The left side on approach gives views over the Singapore Strait, Sentosa Island, and the southern Singapore cityscape including the CBD skyline and Marina Bay. The right side faces northeast toward Pulau Ubin and the Johor Strait. Notable sights include: Singapore CBD skyline and Marina Bay waterfront, Sentosa Island and the southern Singapore Strait, Jurong Island industrial complex to the southwest, the dense urban grid of central Singapore.

The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Singapore Changi (SIN) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.

After leaving Sri Lanka the route crosses the southern Bay of Bengal, a largely featureless expanse of deep ocean. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Indian territory) may be visible in the distance to the right side depending on exact routing — Great Nicobar is the southernmost. The aircraft then crosses the northern tip of Sumatra or passes just west of it, where the mountainous Barisan range spine of northern Sumatra may be visible on the right horizon. The final descent crosses the southern Malay Peninsula or the Strait of Malacca before entering Singapore airspace.