Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
A stately, vibrant red clock tower in Melaka's historic Dutch Square, a beloved landmark and photo spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stately, vibrant red clock tower in Melaka's historic Dutch Square, a beloved landmark and photo spot.
"A charming red landmark in Dutch Square, this clock tower adds character and history to the area."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The clock tower is a vibrant red, ideal for photos. Visit at different times for varied lighting!
🚶 Explore Dutch Square
The tower is just the start! Wander around the surrounding historic buildings and gardens.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Red Clock Tower
Dutch Square
A stately, vibrant red clock tower, a central landmark in Melaka's historic Dutch Square.
Dutch Square Ambiance
Surrounding the Clock Tower
Explore the charming red buildings, gardens, and shops that make up this historic heart of Melaka.
Historical Reflection
Clock Tower Base
A quiet spot to appreciate colonial architecture and Melaka's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Photo Ops Galore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The clock tower is a vibrant red, ideal for photos. Visit at different times for varied lighting!
🚶 Explore Dutch Square
The tower is just the start! Wander around the surrounding historic buildings and gardens.
💡 Free Attraction
Enjoy this historical landmark without any admission fee. Great for budget travelers!
🌃 Evening Charm
The square and tower are beautifully lit at night, offering a different, magical perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The clock tower is a vibrant red, ideal for photos. Visit at different times for varied lighting!
🚶 Explore Dutch Square
The tower is just the start! Wander around the surrounding historic buildings and gardens.
💡 Free Attraction
Enjoy this historical landmark without any admission fee. Great for budget travelers!
🌃 Evening Charm
The square and tower are beautifully lit at night, offering a different, magical perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower as an iconic and picturesque landmark in Melaka's historic Dutch Square. Its vibrant red color and central location make it a perfect photo opportunity and a great starting point for exploring the city's rich colonial past. While small, its charm and historical significance are highly appreciated.
"Located in the heart of Dutch Square, this red clock tower is one of Melaka’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1886 in memory of Tan Beng Swee, it blends colonial charm with local history. Though small, it stands out with its bold red color and Roman numeral clock faces. A perfect photo spot and a great starting point to explore the old town."
Tutut Indah Widyawati
"A charming red landmark in Dutch Square, this clock tower adds character and history to the area. Built in 1886 to honor a local philanthropist, it’s a quiet tribute amid the bustle—great for a quick photo and a moment of reflection."
Yang
"Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower is a historical building at the central of Malacca city. It is a clock tower built in 1886 by a wealthy businessman and philanthropist to commemmorate his late father, Mr Tan Beng Swee. Initially, it was a white clock tower but it had been changed by the British colonial government to red color so it may match the surrounding buildings: Christ Church and Stadthuys.
Visitors may have a good memory here by taking picture/video with this clock tower as the background. It is a free attraction. To reach this clock tower, public bus or taxi or e-hailing services can be used."
Edwin Petrus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The clock tower is centrally located in Dutch Square, Melaka. You can easily reach it by public bus, taxi, or e-hailing services from most parts of the city. Many visitors find it a convenient stop during a day trip to Melaka.
Parking can be challenging in the busy Dutch Square area. It's often best to park a short walk away or utilize ride-sharing services for easier access.
Yes, Jonker Street is a short and pleasant walk from the clock tower, making it easy to combine visits.
Walking is the best way to explore Dutch Square and its surroundings. The historical sites are close together.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower and Dutch Square are free attractions. You can admire the tower and explore the square without any admission fee.
The clock tower itself doesn't have specific opening hours as it's an outdoor landmark. The surrounding shops and attractions in Dutch Square have varying hours, typically from morning to evening.
The area can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, weekends, and public holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning or late evening can offer a less crowded experience.
The clock tower was built in 1886 by Tan Jiak Kim to commemorate his father, Tan Beng Swee.
📸 📸 Photography
For bright, vibrant photos, visit during daylight hours. For a more atmospheric shot, consider visiting in the early morning or late evening when the square is less crowded and beautifully lit.
Absolutely! The clock tower itself is a striking subject. The surrounding red buildings of Dutch Square, like Christ Church and Stadthuys, also offer excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take videos. Many visitors capture the tower's charm and the bustling atmosphere of Dutch Square.
Its distinctive bright red color and historical significance make it a memorable backdrop for photos, especially when contrasted with the surrounding colonial architecture.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
The tower was built in 1886 by Tan Jiak Kim in memory of his father, Tan Beng Swee. It replaced an earlier clock tower and was painted red to match the surrounding Dutch colonial buildings.
The clock tower is situated in the heart of Dutch Square, surrounded by iconic historical buildings such as Christ Church Melaka and the Stadthuys.
Yes, the clock tower still functions and chimes every hour, adding to the historical ambiance of Dutch Square.
The tower was originally white but was painted red by the British colonial government to harmonize with the color of nearby structures like Christ Church and Stadthuys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Influencers
For a unique perspective, try capturing the tower at night when it's beautifully illuminated.🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Melaka: Dutch Square
Visitors often describe the square as feeling like a step back in time, with the clock tower serving as a constant, charming reminder of the area's historical significance. The blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial influences is palpable here, making it a unique cultural hub. Many travelers recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the square, soaking in the atmosphere and capturing memorable photos.
Beyond the visual appeal, Dutch Square is surrounded by several museums and historical sites, allowing for a deeper dive into Melaka's fascinating history. The proximity of these attractions makes it incredibly convenient for visitors to experience multiple facets of the city's heritage within a short walking distance.
A Monument to Legacy: The Clock Tower's Story
The tower's distinctive bright red facade is a key feature that draws the eye. Originally white, it was painted red by the British colonial administration to complement the color of the adjacent Christ Church and Stadthuys. This deliberate choice created a cohesive and visually striking architectural ensemble in the heart of the city.
Today, the clock tower continues to function, chiming the hours and serving as a beloved landmark. It's not just a historical monument but also a popular spot for photographs and a symbol of Melaka's enduring heritage, attracting visitors who wish to connect with the city's past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit