Strait of Malacca, Maritime passage between Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, Malaysia.
The Strait of Malacca is a passage between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra connecting the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea and extending 800 kilometers. The width varies from 65 to 250 kilometers, while the shallowest sections influence shipping routes.
The Srivijaya Empire controlled this passage from the 7th century onward and built a trade network between China, India, and Arab lands. Later, European colonial powers fought for access, shaping the coastal cities permanently.
The name comes from the Sultanate of Malacca, which once stood at the narrowest point and became a hub for spice merchants and pilgrims. Coastal towns and ports today still depend on maritime trade and fishing.
Boat tours along the coast offer views of shipping activity and fishing villages, with visibility best in clear weather. Information about port visits or guided tours is available locally in coastal towns.
The term Malaccamax was coined to describe the largest ships that can still pass through this passage, with depth and width limiting dimensions. Despite tight conditions, over 94,000 vessels travel through each year, carrying roughly one quarter of global seaborne trade.
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