The Iconic Malindi Pier

 

The Iconic Malindi Pier | Malindi Jetty

Along the shores of the enticing Buntwani Beach (alias Golden Beach) in Malindi lies a magnificent structure: the Malindi Pier. This iconic structure has continued to be at the centre of Malindi's tourism sector for decades. It is one of the most popular leisure spots for locals.

The Malindi Pier is a concrete bridge about 500 metres long and 3 metres high, although the height increases as you move towards the water. Almost half of the structure is above water. It also has rails on one side to protect users from falling into the water.

Accessibility

The jetty is accessible in two ways. One is through the road; that is, by use of a vehicle. Visitors can branch off the Museum Road to access the pier. However, lately, cars and motorcycles have been barred from ascending onto the bridge due to safety concerns.

The other way is through the beach. The pier has a staircase that allows people to ascend onto it from below. This means you can walk along the beach and climb once you get to the stairs. However, sometimes part of the staircase is covered by water, forcing visitors to get wet in the process of ascension.

History

According to locals, the jetty has been in existence for over 70 years. It is believed to have been built during the colonial era. The structure was built to be a docking spot for small boats and ships and provide a secure and stable way to moor the vessels.

Why So Popular?

So, what makes the Malindi Pier a popular feature for both locals and tourists?

The jetty provides a great spot to view the waters of Buntwani Beach. Residents stroll on the jetty to have a bird's eye view of the whole beach and enjoy the cool breeze. The beautiful scenery provides much-needed relaxation after a day's hard work.

Many locals also frequent the Malindi Pier to swim in the clean waters around it. One of the coolest sceneries at the pier is the diving of swimmers from top of the jetty and into the waters. It has become a popular sport for young boys who employ various theatrics to dive into the water skillfully.

Additionally, the Malindi Pier also serves as a fishing spot for some locals, especially during the mornings when the beach is not crowded. The fishermen position themselves on the jetty and throw their fishing lines down into the waters. On a lucky day, they leave the beach with a good number of fish.

If you are a photography enthusiast, this place is worth a visit. You can take amazing pictures of the pier that will see you giggle in amazement. The jetty is an excellent location to capture the sunrise and the beautiful blue sky.

Best Time to Visit and Charges

You can visit the pier at any time of the day and year. The spot is usually crowded in the evenings, especially during weekends and during the December holidays. If you mind spending time in a crowded place, it would be best to avoid the pier during the Christmas and New Year periods as it is usually packed to the brim.

Also, note that there are no entry charges to access the pier. Entry is free.

Safety Concerns

The pier has of late been in a dilapidated state due to lack of renovation. Cracks have formed on the concrete, and most of the protective rails are missing due to vandalism. This has led to calls for the government to come to the rescue. Pressure is now piling on the government to address the safety concerns raised by the locals. Despite these challenges, it is still worth a visit.

The pier is an excellent spot for all kind of fun. You can observe the fantastic skills of the fishermen, capture the acrobatic moves of the divers or, better still, enjoy the exotic coastline of Buntwani Beach. Additionally, you can enjoy a swim just below the pillar. It is a must-visit place while in Malindi.