While takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range are among Southeast Asia's most visually striking mountain features, and left-side seats capture them in full detail during the final descent into Kota Kinabalu.
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Flight Path
Taipei to Kota Kinabalu is 1,371 miles (2,207 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sulu Sea southwestward, passing over open water with occasional visibility of the Balabac Strait and the northern coast of Palawan (Philippines) on the left side during the cruise phase. The Mindanao Deep lies beneath the flight path in the central portion of the route. As the aircraft approaches Malaysian airspace, the Sulu Sea transitions to shallower waters with visible reef systems and small islands near the Sabah coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TSA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and the northern Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs out northeastward from Taipei. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Taipei and the Tamsui River delta clearly before the aircraft turns south toward Malaysia.
Landing at BKI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Kota Kinabalu. You'll see Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) rising dramatically from the Crocker Range as you approach from the northeast, and the Sulu Sea coastline with its distinctive bays and peninsulas becomes increasingly detailed.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sungshan (TSA) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Kota Kinabalu. While takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range are among Southeast Asia's most visually striking mountain features, and left-side seats capture them in full detail during the final descent into Kota Kinabalu.
What can I see during takeoff from Sungshan in Taipei?
During takeoff from Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Taiwan Strait and the northern Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs out northeastward from Taipei. You'll see the urban sprawl of greater Taipei and the Tamsui River delta clearly before the aircraft turns south toward Malaysia. Notable sights include: Tamsui River estuary, northern Taiwan coastline, Taiwan Strait, Taipei urban area.
What can I see when landing at Kota Kinabalu International in Kota Kinabalu?
When landing at Kota Kinabalu International (BKI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Kota Kinabalu. You'll see Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) rising dramatically from the Crocker Range as you approach from the northeast, and the Sulu Sea coastline with its distinctive bays and peninsulas becomes increasingly detailed. Notable sights include: Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range, Sulu Sea, Kota Kinabalu coastal plain.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Kota Kinabalu?
The flight from Sungshan (TSA) to Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,371 miles (2,207 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Kota Kinabalu flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sulu Sea southwestward, passing over open water with occasional visibility of the Balabac Strait and the northern coast of Palawan (Philippines) on the left side during the cruise phase. The Mindanao Deep lies beneath the flight path in the central portion of the route. As the aircraft approaches Malaysian airspace, the Sulu Sea transitions to shallower waters with visible reef systems and small islands near the Sabah coast.