The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is not only one of the most beautiful historic sites in Ipoh, also one of the most intriguing. With nearly all reference to its namesake removed, and another figure also removed, the clock tower has become even more interesting with time.
Built at a cost of around $25,000, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower was unveiled by H.E. High Comissioner Sir John Anderson in 1909. The magnificent clock tower was built on a high, flat area of land not far from Ipoh Train Station, and one of the best vantage points is from the bottom of the grand set of stairs that leads up the hill to the clock tower.
The tower was built as a memorial to J.W.W. Birch, first British Resident of Perak, who was assassinated in 1875 at Pasir Salak. A niche on the northern side of the clock tower originially contained a bronze bust of Birch, and below was a dedication to him, both of which are believed to have gone missing around 1958. The main bell in the tower is 6 foot 6 inches across, and four smaller bells play a tune by Handel.
The four figures on pedestals around the tower represent the four virtues of British administration- loyalty, justice, patience and fortitude. The most interesting feature, however, is the painted frieze around all four sides of the clock tower. The 44 figures represent famous people from world history. In the most prominent position at the front of the tower, however, due to objections a single figure has been painted over. The depiction of the Prophet of Islam was removed in 1958, as it is forbidden to depict him in images (aniconism).
The magnetic cache can be found under an electrical box at the corner. You can sit down out of view of the busy medan to retrieve and sign the cache. Afterwards, the numerous stalls at the medan offer many cheap options to pick up food and drink.
This cache may be included in a walking tour of Ipoh Old Town, which passes many of the most interesting sights of the Old Town. A map ("Ipoh caching tour") with a suggested walking route is included with the pictures below (with some alternatives). Cache #4 on the map is a multi and the stages are shown as 4-1, 4-2 etc, and the final, while not marked on the map, is easy to access while following this route. The caches of course may be done in any order (our suggestions starts at the railway station) and it is up to you to check the listings to ensure the caches marked on the tour are active when you visit.