UPSC Prelims 2010 Q93: Geography – World Physical Geography
Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
- (a) Bali
- (b) Brunei
- (c) Java
- (d) Singapore
Answer: (d) Singapore
Explanation
What you'd encounter traveling through the Strait of Malacca
The Strait of Malacca, a vital global shipping lane, lies between specific landmasses.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Bali | Incorrect | Bali is an Indonesian island located further away, not directly along the Malacca Strait route |
| (b) Brunei | Incorrect | Brunei is located on Borneo island, not along the Malacca Strait itself |
| (c) Java | Incorrect | Java is also further south, not directly bordering the Malacca Strait |
| (d) Singapore | Correct | Singapore sits right at the southeastern end of the Strait of Malacca, a key point any ship transiting the strait would pass |
Strait of Malacca geography:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (Indonesia) |
| Key city-state at its mouth | Singapore |
| Significance | One of the world's busiest shipping lanes |
Answer: (d) Singapore.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bali lies well away from the Strait of Malacca's route.
- (b) Incorrect. Brunei, on Borneo, is not along this specific strait.
- (c) Incorrect. Java is also not directly on the Malacca Strait route.
- (d) CORRECT. Singapore sits right at the strait's southeastern end, a landmark any transit through it would encounter.
Key point
Traveling through the Strait of Malacca, you would encounter SINGAPORE, located right at the strait's southeastern end — not Bali, Brunei, or Java, which lie elsewhere in the Indonesian archipelago.
Remember
Strait of Malacca: Singapore sits at its southeastern end — Bali, Brunei, and Java are elsewhere in the region.
Common mistakes
- Confusing various Indonesian islands (Bali, Java) with the specific Malacca Strait route.
- Placing Brunei (on Borneo) incorrectly along this particular strait.
- Not knowing Singapore's specific strategic position at the strait's mouth.
Exam tip
Strait of Malacca = between Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, with Singapore right at its southeastern end. A key maritime geography fact.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Strait of Malacca
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Singapore