About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Almaty (ALA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Alma-ata. The left side misses the Singapore departure views but captures the Tian Shan mountains on landing, which are among the most dramatic mountain approaches in Asia. Over the flight path, the left side also gets better views of the Irrawaddy basin over Myanmar and parts of the Tibetan plateau edge. The Almaty mountain approach alone makes left the stronger overall seat.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Changi typically departs westward on runway 02L/20R or 02C/20C. A westbound departure gives the right side views over the Singapore Strait and the city skyline including Marina Bay and the CBD towers before turning northwest. The left side faces industrial Jurong and open sea. Notable sights include: Marina Bay Sands and CBD skyline, Singapore Strait with shipping lanes, Sentosa Island, Johor Bahru across the causeway to the north.
What can I see when landing at Almaty in Alma-ata?
When landing at Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Almaty sits directly at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau range of the Tian Shan mountains to the south. Aircraft typically approach from the north on runway 05/23, meaning a northward approach puts the dramatic snow-capped Alatau peaks on the left (south) side throughout the descent. The right side faces the flat Kazakh steppe. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau mountains (Tian Shan), Talgar Peak and Chimbulak ski area, Almaty city grid spreading across the piedmont, Kapchagay Reservoir to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Alma-ata?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to Almaty (ALA) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the Singapore to Alma-ata flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Singapore over the Malay Peninsula and Myanmar, crossing the Irrawaddy River valley and the eastern Himalayas or their foothills depending on routing. Over western China the route passes near the Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert edges before crossing into Kazakhstan over the Tian Shan range. The Aral Sea basin and flat Kazakh steppe dominate the final hour before descent into Almaty.