Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
A historic Moorish-style clock tower built in 1897, commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. A key landmark in George Town, Penang.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour glow
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Moorish-style clock tower built in 1897, commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. A key landmark in George Town, Penang.
"Stumbling upon the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower felt like uncovering a piece of living history."
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunset for the best light; the yellow facade glows beautifully.
📍 Great Meeting Point
Its central location makes it an ideal spot to meet up before exploring George Town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moorish Architecture
King Edward Place
Admire the intricate masonry and ornamental details of this historic, yellow-hued landmark.
Diamond Jubilee Commemoration
Base of the tower
See the 'VR' initials, a subtle nod to its 1897 construction for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
Golden Hour Glow
Surrounding area
Experience the tower bathed in warm, soft sunlight during sunset for a truly magical view.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Photos
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunset for the best light; the yellow facade glows beautifully.
📍 Great Meeting Point
Its central location makes it an ideal spot to meet up before exploring George Town.
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
Start a walking tour from here to explore nearby streets and attractions.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be cautious as the tower is near a small roundabout; watch for vehicles.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunset for the best light; the yellow facade glows beautifully.
📍 Great Meeting Point
Its central location makes it an ideal spot to meet up before exploring George Town.
🚶♀️ Walkable Exploration
Start a walking tour from here to explore nearby streets and attractions.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be cautious as the tower is near a small roundabout; watch for vehicles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower to be a charming historical landmark in George Town, appreciated for its colonial architecture and significance. While it's not accessible for entry, its beauty, especially during golden hour, makes it a popular photo spot and a convenient meeting point for exploring the heritage area. Some note the presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity and the traffic around the roundabout.
"Stumbling upon the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower during our wander through George Town felt like uncovering a piece of living history. Built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, this towering 60-foot landmark still commands attention with its elegant design and historical significance.
The tower’s style is a nod to British colonial architecture, with intricate masonry and ornamental details that highlight Penang’s past. My family and I spent a few moments gazing up at its height, noting the initials “VR” (Victoria Regina) carved above — a subtle reminder of its origin. Climbing or entering the tower isn’t possible, but that didn’t matter. It stands beautifully in its place, surrounded by leafy trees and classic Straits Chinese shophouses.
Because of its central location, it’s a great meeting point or photo backdrop while exploring the nearby alleys and murals. We visited during the golden hour, and the soft sunlight made the yellow facade glow in the most charming way.
If you’re into heritage and architecture, this modest tower is worth a quick stop for reflection and a few snapshots."
Crumpled Nomad
"A beautiful building that I passed by on the way to Fort Cornwallis.
I wasn't able that Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower is available for entry."
CheeWee Chua
"A good spot for photo. One of the historic landmarks in Georgetown from colonial times. First photo was taken when I was in Fort Cornwallis."
Jeff Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower is located in the heart of George Town, Penang. It's easily accessible by Grab (ride-sharing service) or local buses. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk to from other attractions in the heritage zone.
Yes, it's very close to Fort Cornwallis and within walking distance of many heritage sites, shophouses, and street art in George Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower is a public monument and can be viewed from the outside at any time without a ticket.
Unfortunately, you cannot enter or climb the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. It's primarily a historical landmark for viewing and photography.
As an outdoor monument, the clock tower is accessible 24/7. However, the best time to visit for photography and atmosphere is during daylight hours, especially around sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most beautiful light, making the yellow tower glow. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer people.
The area around the base and the nearby streets offer various angles. Consider capturing it with the surrounding colonial architecture or the bustling street life in the background.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
It was built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, marking 60 years of her reign. It stands 60 feet tall, with each foot representing one year of her reign.
The construction was funded by local businessman Cheah Chen Eok, who donated $30,000 Straits Dollars for the project.
The tower is built in a distinctive Moorish style, reflecting British colonial influences of the era.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pair your visit with a walk to nearby Fort Cornwallis or a search for street art, making it part of a larger, engaging itinerary. Remember to keep an eye on children near the roundabout, as traffic can be present.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the entire tower with its surroundings, or use a telephoto lens to focus on specific architectural details. Be aware of the traffic around the roundabout and plan your shots accordingly. The tower also serves as a great backdrop for portraits or as a focal point in wider street photography scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial Penang
+1The Moorish architectural style is a striking feature, blending intricate masonry and ornamental details that were popular during the late Victorian era. This style, combined with its prominent location, makes it a focal point in George Town's historic landscape. While you can't ascend its heights, its presence offers a tangible link to the era when Penang was a vital part of the Straits Settlements.
Many visitors find the tower to be a poignant reminder of history, especially when viewed during the golden hour, when the sun casts a warm glow on its yellow facade. It serves not just as a clock tower, but as a historical marker and a popular spot for reflection and photography, drawing parallels to other colonial-era landmarks.
Photography Tips for the Clock Tower
Consider framing your shots to include elements of George Town's vibrant street life or the surrounding colonial architecture. The tower's location near a small roundabout means you'll need to be mindful of traffic, but this also offers opportunities for dynamic street photography. Early mornings are ideal for capturing the tower with minimal crowds, allowing for unobstructed views and a more serene composition.
While you can't go inside, the exterior offers plenty of visual interest. Look for details like the 'VR' initials above the entrance and the ornamental carvings. Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grandeur of the entire structure and the finer points of its design.
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