Manila Clock Tower

Closer look of the clock tower. Jon Opol (Atlas Obscura User)

Standing 100 feet tall and visible from all directions, especially when visiting the historic part of the city, the clock tower of Manila continues to serve its purpose since it was unveiled in 1930.

The clock tower, the largest in the Philippines, has a hexagonal shape and three red-faced clocks on its three facets. It’s illuminated at night serving as a focal point of reference for everyone.

There’s a bell in the tower that is rung three times a day—twice during break hours and at the end of the day to signify the close of business. A melody follows the bell, which also plays Christmas carols during the Christmas season.

The clock tower is considered the “Big Ben of the Philippines.”

Know Before You Go

Located close Central station of LRT 1 (metrorail). Visible when you are in the Rizal Park or at Intramuros.

The clock tower museum inside the Manila City Hall opened during the first quarter of 2024. For 100 pesos, public are able to see up close the clock and its mechanisms behind accessible via a series of narrow stairs. The top most floor provides a stunning view of the Luneta Park, Intramuros and the skyline of Metro Manila.