5 Must-See Johor Clock Towers to... Tick... Off Your Bucket List
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Clock towers might seem like relics of the past, but these majestic timepieces used to be the only way to tell time outside the home. As a result, clock towers became the ticking heart of any town lucky enough to have them - serving as meeting points and central landmarks.
They also weren’t cheap, so having one in your town was a symbol of prestige. This is why many clock towers were either gifts or dedications, giving each one its own unique story and identity. While their importance as time-tellers has diminished today, they still hold their own as heritage markers, landmarks, and photogenic icons.
If you love strolling through historic towns, capturing local life, and uncovering stories behind architecture, here are 5 clock towers that are worth your….. time.
Dataran Bandaraya Clock Tower - Johor Bahru
Photo Source: Google Maps
This is a clock tower that made it to the big time. The Johor Bahru City Square (Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru) was completed on January 1st 1994 to commemorate the day Johor Bahru was declared a city.
The clock tower itself forms the centrepiece of the square, stretching 51 metres high and making it one of the tallest clock towers in the state. Its design is said to blend architectural cues from the Sultan Ibrahim Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, though its colour was changed from gold to grey in 2015.
Photo tips:
- Early evening is ideal, with cooler light and fewer harsh shadows.
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full tower and its surroundings.
- For symmetry, frame from the centre of the plaza with the fountain in the foreground.
Muar Clock Tower - Muar
Photo Source: Chongkian via Wikimedia Commons
Spoiler, this is one of two clock towers in Muar. Built during British rule, it bears many hallmarks of colonial architecture that harkens back to the town’s days as a trading and administrative centre.
The clock tower sits right in the heart of town and also serves as a roundabout. Its classic charm and location across from the Sultan Ismail Bridge makes the Muar Clock Tower a photogenic subject that’s still used in local postcards and promotional imagery today.
Photo tips:
- Best shot during golden hour (5.30–6.30 PM) when sunlight warms the pastel tones.
- Use the Sultan Ismail Bridge or old shophouses as framing elements for context.
Location: Google Maps
Royal Customs and Excise Building Clock Tower - Muar
Photo Source: New Straits Times
Topping the 116-year old heritage building, the clock tower is more of a clock feature rather than a standalone tower. However, locals will not accept calling it anything else.
Erected in 1909, the clock mechanism itself was imported from England and originally featured a hipped roof. At some point, this roof was replaced with a dome, which is what still tops the tower today. Unlike the Muar Clock Tower which has a square clock face without markings, the Royal Customs and Excise Building Clock Tower has the classic round clock face with Roman numerals.
Photo tips:
- Visit in late morning (9–11 AM) for front lighting on the building’s facade
Penggaram Square Clock Tower - Batu Pahat
Photo Source: Tripadvisor
This modern clock tower sits in Penggaram Square (Dataran Penggaram), a vibrant public space in the town of Batu Pahat. The most notable traits of the clock tower are its purple and yellow colours, and its unique design - rounded triangle clockfaces supported on four pillar beams.
The square hosts major celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, so you’ll often see the clock tower lit up during festival periods. Additionally another popular structure within the park is a statue of a hand striking a chisel against a rock, a reference to how Batu Pahat got its name.
Photo tips:
- Photograph the clock tower during the day to capture details and the park’s landscaped surroundings.
- Photograph the clock tower at night for more aesthetic shots when the park’s decorative lights turn on.
Location: Google Maps
Kluang Clock Tower - Kluang
Photo Source: Google Maps
The Kluang Clock Tower is modest but meaningful, frequently appearing in the city’s famous murals which celebrate Kluang’s identity
The tower is located in Taman Tasik MP Kluang, a tranquil lake and park that’s popular with local residents.
Photo tip:
- The tower’s modest height and well-manicured surroundings make for amazing wide shots.
Stopwatching and start exploring Johor… and beyond
Photo Source: Berjaya Waterfront Johor Bahru via Facebook
Every clock tower tells more than just the time. It tells a story. There’s something poetic about how these towers endure. They’ve seen parades, progress and generations of Johoreans… yet they still stand tall, timeless as ever.
So next time you’re exploring the state, take a second to look up. These towers have been watching over Johor for generations, quietly ticking through its history. If clock towers fascinate you with their historical charm, you might enjoy discovering how these 5 Johor towns got their names - including the story behind the Penggaram Square statue.
There is, however, one place where time moves faster - Berjaya Waterfront. With high speed ferries departing for Batam almost every hour, every day of the week; you’re able to travel to Batam in just 90 minutes.
But Berjaya Waterfront isn’t just a ferry terminal; it’s also a 4.5-storey mall with an indoor entertainment zone. With Go-Karts, duty-free shopping, and food outlets, you’ll find yourself at departure time in the blink of an eye.
- Check out more exciting events and stores on Berjaya Waterfront’s Instagram.
Click here for Berjaya Waterfront ferry schedules, ticketing info, and more.