The right side wins because it captures the only two scenic phases of this short flight: the Kuching river delta and Santubong mountain at departure, and the Kuala Lumpur skyline with the Titiwangsa range at arrival. The left side offers little more than open water and flat plantation land throughout.
Flown KCH to KUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kuching to Kuala Lumpur is 603 miles (971 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The route crosses open water of the South China Sea for most of its length, with no islands or coastline directly along the flight path; on exceptionally clear days the Natuna Islands may be faintly visible far to the north, but otherwise the crossing is featureless ocean.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KCH
RIGHTKuching airport sits just south of the Sarawak River delta, so a right-side window shows the winding river mouth, mangrove coastline, and the distinctive twin-peaked silhouette of Mount Santubong rising near the coast as the aircraft climbs out over the South China Sea. The left side only shows flat interior lowlands and oil palm plantations.
Landing at KUL
RIGHTOn the descent into KUL, the approach path from the north passes east of the Klang Valley, giving right-side passengers a view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline including the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, with the forested Titiwangsa mountain range as a backdrop before the final turn over oil palm estates toward the runway. The left side mainly shows flat plantation land with no skyline view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuching International (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur. The right side wins because it captures the only two scenic phases of this short flight: the Kuching river delta and Santubong mountain at departure, and the Kuala Lumpur skyline with the Titiwangsa range at arrival. The left side offers little more than open water and flat plantation land throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuching International in Kuching?
During takeoff from Kuching International (KCH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kuching airport sits just south of the Sarawak River delta, so a right-side window shows the winding river mouth, mangrove coastline, and the distinctive twin-peaked silhouette of Mount Santubong rising near the coast as the aircraft climbs out over the South China Sea. The left side only shows flat interior lowlands and oil palm plantations. Notable sights include: Sarawak River delta, Mount Santubong, Kuching city, South China Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
When landing at Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into KUL, the approach path from the north passes east of the Klang Valley, giving right-side passengers a view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline including the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, with the forested Titiwangsa mountain range as a backdrop before the final turn over oil palm estates toward the runway. The left side mainly shows flat plantation land with no skyline view. Notable sights include: Kuala Lumpur skyline, Petronas Twin Towers, Titiwangsa mountain range, Klang Valley urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur?
The flight from Kuching International (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 603 miles (971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kuching to Kuala Lumpur flight path pass over?
The route crosses open water of the South China Sea for most of its length, with no islands or coastline directly along the flight path; on exceptionally clear days the Natuna Islands may be faintly visible far to the north, but otherwise the crossing is featureless ocean.