“Has it always been here?” I looked at the Taming Sari Tower (aka Malacca Tower) from afar and wondered how it is possible that I overlooked its existence in previous Melaka trips. I guess I have to admit that it is very much a case of seeing only what one wants to see.
At different stages of our lives, we tend to have different interests and preferences. As I have never been a fan of manmade attractions, I guess it’s not surprising for me to overlook Malaysia’s first and tallest gyro tower. Nonetheless, I was determined to get reacquainted with Melaka in our very first overseas trip since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taming Sari Tower (Malacca Tower): First Impression
To be honest, Taming Sari Tower did not impress at first sight, as it paled in comparison to iconic observation towers such as the Tokyo Skytree or Shanghai Tower. Nonetheless, for reasons unknown, I was excited to take a ride on the 110m-tall Taming Sari Tower, which has been open to the public since 2008 (how did I miss it?).
What is Taming Sari?
This panoramic tower was supposedly designed after its namesake – the Taming Sari keris – a mystical dagger weapon believed to empower its wielder with invincible power in Malay folklore. It is said that the peak of the Taming Sari Tower resembles the hilt of keris.
Located in the popular district of Bandar Hill on Jalan Merdeka, Taming Sari Tower is a stone’s throw from Jonker Street (around a 10-minute walk) and surrounded by shopping malls. My obliging travel companion hiked across the town with me on a lazy afternoon, as I naively thought to catch the sunset at the Melaka attraction.
Little did I know that it would just be a 7-minute ride (WHAT?) F.Y.I. tickets cost RM23 per adult and RM15 per child for international visitors. Having reached ahead of time, I was loath to wait any longer to ascend the tower, so we went ahead and … …
Our experience at Taming Sari Tower
We were too early for the sunset but it was such a pleasant ride that we almost wanted to go up again. We initially thought that there would be an elevator that brings us to the highest point but well, that’s the thing about a gyro tower – it’s actually a revolving observation tower with a vertical moving platform! (on hindsight, I felt a bit silly for not doing any research beforehand but it was fun to discover on experience :D)
There was hardly any queue at 4pm+ and we didn’t have to wait long for embarkation. For those who are worried about height or dizziness since the tower will revolve as it ascends, you can be rest assured that the speed is not crazy and it actually felt quite safe (even to this acrophobic author).
While Taming Sari Tower can accommodate up to 80 people per viewing session, it was barely half-filled during our visit, making it kind of special as we took in the beautiful Melaka sights minus the noisy chatter that so often distract one in busy tourist attractions. There was some muffled commentary over the loud speaker but we soon found ourselves immersed in the aerial view, pointing here and there, identifying places that we have visited and wondering about the unexplored.
It only took 7-minutes and we were in awe
After our ride, we stood at ground level and marvelled at the creation. We observed families with toddlers taking the ride as well, and everyone looked so happy that it naturally brought a smile to our faces just by looking at them. I found myself planning a future trip with my family, and this one has made it on my list. Next time, I want to take a night ride.
Later, I read somewhere that the tower structure was built using advanced Swiss technology and it supposedly is tough enough to withstand earthquakes that measure up to 10 on the Richter scale. That was comforting to know.
Observation decks can change the way one views cities, and I guess it provides an opportunity for the curious viewer to have a wider perspective and delve deeper to discover the ins and outs of a destination. Have you visited the Taming Sari Tower or other gyro towers and observation decks? Do share! 🙂
Taming Sari Tower (Malacca Tower)
Address: Jln Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Website
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Upon the easing of border restrictions in May 2022, my friend and I took the 707 coach from Singapore to Malacca directly. This Malaysian city is more charming than usual, and it definitely warrants a visit beyond the old town. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
The above information is based on personal experiences and should only be used as a reference. For more information on the destination, do check out: https://www.malaysia.travel
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