Located directly opposite the vibrant Jonker Street, Dutch Square is just a three-minute walk from the heart of the bustling heritage district. Visitors who prefer public transportation may take Melaka Town Bus No. 17, which stops at Jonker Street. From there, a short and pleasant walk will lead you to the iconic Dutch Square.
Standing proudly at 50 feet tall, the Melaka Clock Tower has been a distinguished landmark in the heart of the city for over 134 years. Strategically located in front of the historic The Stadthuys, and adjacent to Queen Victoria’s Fountain, the clock tower remains one of Melaka’s most recognizable heritage structures.
Also known as the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, it was constructed at what was considered the most prominent location in Melaka at the time. The tower was named in honour of Tan Beng Swee, a prominent businessman and respected leader of the Chinese community in Melaka and Singapore. Following his passing in 1884, his son, Tan Jiak Kim, fulfilled his father’s wish by commissioning the construction of the clock tower.
The tower was manufactured in Britain and completed in 1886 before being shipped to Melaka. Today, the historic clock continues to function reliably, with its bell faithfully chiming every hour — a timeless reminder of Melaka’s rich heritage.
