Menu
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower at Melaka
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
1 / 49
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Main Image
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Image 2
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Image 3
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Image 4
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Image 5
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Image 6
+43
View More

Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower at Melaka

Location: 17, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Dutch Square (Red Square) Melaka

The Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower is a heritage landmark standing within Dutch Square (Stadthuys) in the heart of Melaka's UNESCO World Heritage zone. Built in 1886, the 50-foot red structure was commissioned by Tan Jiak Kim, a wealthy Peranakan Chinese philanthropist, to fulfil the wish of his late father Tan Beng Swee, who had dreamed of a clock tower in the centre of Melaka. The tower stands near Queen Victoria's Fountain, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, and Christ Church.

Each of the four clock faces, measuring 34.5 centimetres in diameter with Roman numerals, was originally imported from England, manufactured by Smith and Sons Clockmakers of London. In 1982, the original mechanisms were replaced with Seiko clocks from Japan, a decision that caused considerable upset among Melaka's senior citizens who still recalled the harsh treatment suffered during the Japanese Occupation. The clock is now maintained by the Historical Melaka City Council (MBMB), equipped with a 24-volt system and GPS synchronisation to ensure accurate timekeeping.

The clock tower is maintained by a dedicated engineering team from MBMB, with a chief guard overseeing its care. As one of the most photographed structures in Dutch Square, it draws tourists from as early as 8am daily. There is no admission charge to view the tower, which remains accessible at all hours as a public streetscape feature.
17, Jalan Gereja, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Dutch Square (Red Square) Melaka

Operating Hours

Open 24/7
Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday (Today)
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours