Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Taipei. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view is significantly more dramatic and memorable. The approach into Taipei's mountain-ringed basin with Taipei 101 and the Xueshan Range visible outweighs the takeoff advantage. Left-side seats capture the most distinctive features of the destination.

During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Melbourne typically departs runways 27 (westbound) or 09 (eastbound). Right-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay's eastern shoreline and the Dandenong Ranges to the east during initial climb. If departing 27, you'll see the bay's western expanse and Geelong area receding. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate), Dandenong Ranges (southeast, forested ridge), Geelong and Corio Bay (southwest), Western Treatment Plant wetlands (visible as geometric ponds).

When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at Sungshan (typically runway 10 from the northeast or runway 28 from southwest) means left-side seats capture the approach over Taipei Basin. You'll see the Taipei 101 tower, Keelung River winding through the city, and the Xueshan Range (Snow Mountain) to the south and west as you descend into the valley. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 (distinctive supertall structure in Xinyi district), Keelung River (serpentine waterway through city center), Xueshan Range (mountain ridge to southwest), Taipei Basin urban sprawl.

The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Sungshan (TSA) takes Approximately 7.5 to 8.5 hours.

The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (no landmarks visible), then approaches the Australian east coast near Brisbane or further north depending on routing. Crossing into the Coral Sea, you may glimpse the Great Barrier Reef's outer edges if flying the northern corridor. The approach to Taiwan crosses the Philippine Sea; the Luzon Strait separates the Philippines from Taiwan. As you near Taiwan, the Central Mountain Range becomes visible—a dramatic north-south spine of peaks exceeding 10,000 feet, with the highest (Yushan/Jade Mountain) reaching 12,966 feet. This range dominates Taiwan's eastern side and is often visible during descent into Taipei from the south or east.