Red Clock Tower, Melaka

Red Clock Tower, Melaka

The Red Clock Tower, otherwise known as Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, is a 134-year-old clock tower located in Dutch Square. It is one of the most popular spots for tourists in Melaka.

The 50-foot tower was built in 1886 by Tan Jiak Kim, a Peranakan Chinese philanthropist who wanted to fulfill the wishes of his father Tan Beng Swee, who dreamed of a clock tower in the heart of Melaka. Tan Jiak Kim built the clock tower at the Stadthuys building where it would be most prominent.

The red color of the tower blends well with the Stadthuys, particularly with its contrasting white shutters. However, the design is not meant to reflect the Dutch Colonialism architecture of City Hall. Rather, it was constructed in Britain using a Portuguese design, present in a clock tower that previously sat in the same spot.

The four clock faces use Roman numerals to mark the time. They have continued functioning without stopping for more than 100 years due to regular cleanings and maintenance. The clock tower also features a predatory bird sound system, that deters crows and pigeons.

The Red Clock Tower is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Melaka. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Red Clock Tower on Map

Sight Name: Red Clock Tower
Sight Location: Melaka, Malaysia (See walking tours in Melaka)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Melaka, Malaysia

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Create Your Own Walk in Melaka

Creating your own self-guided walk in Melaka is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles