The landing descent provides superior scenic value with the dramatic Crocker Range and Kota Kinabalu Bay views outweighing the takeoff coastal scenery. Right side captures the most visually distinctive geography of the route.
Flown SDK to BKI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is 138 miles (222 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
Sandakan Bay transitions to open Sulu Sea; the flight path crosses the coastal lowlands and mangrove forests of central Sabah; the Crocker Range becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Kota Kinabalu from the southeast; Kinabalu National Park foothills visible to the south of the approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SDK
LEFTLeft side offers views of Sandakan Bay and the Sulu Sea immediately after departure, with the Kinabatangan River delta visible in the middle distance as the aircraft climbs westward toward Kota Kinabalu.
Landing at BKI
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Crocker Range as the aircraft descends into Kota Kinabalu from the east, and clear sightlines to Tanjung Aru peninsula and the coastal approach to the airport.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu. The landing descent provides superior scenic value with the dramatic Crocker Range and Kota Kinabalu Bay views outweighing the takeoff coastal scenery. Right side captures the most visually distinctive geography of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Sandakan Airport in Sandakan?
During takeoff from Sandakan Airport (SDK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Sandakan Bay and the Sulu Sea immediately after departure, with the Kinabatangan River delta visible in the middle distance as the aircraft climbs westward toward Kota Kinabalu. Notable sights include: Sandakan Bay, Sulu Sea, Kinabatangan River delta, Darvel Bay.
What can I see when landing at Kota Kinabalu International in Kota Kinabalu?
When landing at Kota Kinabalu International (BKI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Crocker Range as the aircraft descends into Kota Kinabalu from the east, and clear sightlines to Tanjung Aru peninsula and the coastal approach to the airport. Notable sights include: Crocker Range, Tanjung Aru peninsula, Kota Kinabalu Bay, Kinabalu National Park foothills.
How long is the flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu?
The flight from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 138 miles (222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu flight path pass over?
Sandakan Bay transitions to open Sulu Sea; the flight path crosses the coastal lowlands and mangrove forests of central Sabah; the Crocker Range becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Kota Kinabalu from the southeast; Kinabalu National Park foothills visible to the south of the approach corridor.