Last two months, we went on a family trip back to our hometown Teluk Intan or formerly known as Teluk Anson. It was like going on an exciting journey back to the past.
Within the city, there is one building which has managed to stand against time known as "The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan". The name itself represents the physical being of the building. This picture that I had taken however look like way too exaggerated.
The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is the Malaysia's equivalent to the world's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. It is located in the centre of the Teluk Intan town. The tower is approximately 25.5 metres tall and slanted to one side similar to the Tower of Pisa.
Looking at the external facade, one may think that the structure is an 8 storey building. In actual fact, the building is only divided into 3 storeys structure. At the base of the tower, there is a 13 feet deep well being built for the purpose of balancing the tower against the surrounding vibration.
Looking at the external facade, one may think that the structure is an 8 storey building. In actual fact, the building is only divided into 3 storeys structure. At the base of the tower, there is a 13 feet deep well being built for the purpose of balancing the tower against the surrounding vibration.
Made of mainly with brick and woods, the tower used to be known the local people as "Jam Tinggi" or "High Clock Tower". It was constructed in the year of 1885 for the purpose of locating a water tank for supplying water for the township during the dry season and also for the purpose of "Time Keeper" for the township as there is a huge clock on top of the tower. The clock was specially made by J.W. Benson of Ludgatehill, London.
The tower was initially constructed perfectly straight. However after the incidence of heavy flooding in the year 1889 followed by another big flood in the year 1895, the tower had eventually been tilted to the current condition.
Another factor which caused the tower to lean on one side was that the building had been constructed on top of a partially reclaimed land which gave non-uniformity to the soil structures underneath. Moreover, heavy loading from the water tank on top of the tower had imposed additional loading to the tower which caused it to tilt on one direction. As of today, the water tank is no longer filled up with water and the structure has been totally relieved from the burden.
Another factor which caused the tower to lean on one side was that the building had been constructed on top of a partially reclaimed land which gave non-uniformity to the soil structures underneath. Moreover, heavy loading from the water tank on top of the tower had imposed additional loading to the tower which caused it to tilt on one direction. As of today, the water tank is no longer filled up with water and the structure has been totally relieved from the burden.
As we stayed within the town area, we could hear the chime of the clock from the tower every 15 minutes intervals and the chime could be listened as far as 5 kilometers radius. Visitors will be able to step inside the tower and explore the historical facts about the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan.
On the other hand, if you don't find that the leaning tower is so interesting as my kids do, You may also drop by the fruit stalls to enjoy the taste of local King of the fruits known as "Durian" which could be found anywhere aroudnd the area duringn the Durian season or simply sit back and feel the cooling breeze by the riverside of Perak River nearby the area.
On the other hand, if you don't find that the leaning tower is so interesting as my kids do, You may also drop by the fruit stalls to enjoy the taste of local King of the fruits known as "Durian" which could be found anywhere aroudnd the area duringn the Durian season or simply sit back and feel the cooling breeze by the riverside of Perak River nearby the area.
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