Establishing the gold standard for pickle facilities across the nation, PickleDepot is more than just a place for casual ralliese (Photo: Pickle Depot)
Court is in session and the verdict is in: Pickleball is the recreational pastime of the year. A blend of the trinity of ball and racket/paddle sports — tennis, badminton and ping-pong — the game has taken the internet and the active by storm, luring people out of their abodes even in the midst of sticky monsoon heat.
Back in the 1960s when pickleball was first introduced and enjoyed on a more casual level, the grounds used varied greatly, from neighbourhood asphalt streets to backyard cement surfaces. In areas with chilly or unpredictable weather, though, playing outside could be difficult, and people were forced to “MacGyver” solutions indoors. As more tennis and badminton players began converting to pickleball, complexes began to reimagine their spaces to accommodate the new sport.
Today, pickleball courts can be found in almost all major cities. Many are more than just halls to serve, dink and volley and include co-working spaces, F&B offerings as well as state-of-the-art washrooms. This illustrates how pickleball has evolved into a lifestyle and its popularity means surely there are only more to come.
However, no two courts are built the same. Are you a pro looking for a change of scenery, or perhaps a beginner yet to find your go-to spot? Consider these five.
Inspired by New York’s Meatpacking District and Shanghai’s Xintiandi, Sentul Depot is largely regarded as one of Kuala Lumpur’s top contemporary locations for work and play. Once the largest complex of railway workshops in the country, the site now comprises lively market and event spaces.
The community playground has also become home to KL’s largest pickleball (and padel!) location yet, Pickle Depot. Co-founded by Malaysian actress Amelia Henderson, the sprawling premises boast 12 tournament-grade pickleball lots, including one show court, and four for padel. There is also a co-working area, mezzanine lounge as well as pastry and coffee bar for aprés pickle cool downs and debriefs.
Establishing the gold standard for pickle facilities across the nation, PickleDepot is more than just a place for casual rallies — it was designed to accommodate larger-scale events and brand activations, with luxe long-term partners like Maserati.
Court rental ranges from RM60 to RM80 per hour, with paddle rental and ball sales at RM10 each. Meanwhile, padel court rental is from RM140 to RM180. Visitors may also shop for stylish and ethically-crafted athleisure by Bali-based label Wear Ramé, equipment and exclusive Pickle Depot merchandise at the rental centre.
Sentul Depot, Jalan Strachan, Sentul West. Daily, 6am-2am.
Located at The Courts, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s racket sports hub, Pickle Social Club (PSC) was set up in 2023 following founder Mark Choo’s travels to the US, where pickleball was a widely enjoyed hobby. After falling in love with the sport, he returned to Malaysia with a vision to recreate the vibrant, community-driven vibe. With the aid of business partners, he opened one of the first dedicated pickleball courts in the country.
Today, the venue is among the most well-known and frequented of its kind. However, it is not just the world-class facilities that turn first-timers into regulars, but the founders’ keen dedication to cultivating a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds and experience can come together and grow as one. The tighter layout was purposefully implemented to stimulate communication. As its name suggests, PSC is focused on fostering and deepening connections and it is the friendships formed on and around the premises that make this spot more than just a place to burn calories.
Furthermore, whether you are a seasoned player looking to go pro or a novice who just wants to get the hang of things, there are several training programmes designed to help you level up. Under the careful guidance of expert coaches, lessons can be taken solo or in a group.
PSC’s outdoor court rental is RM35 per hour and the covered ones are at RM50, with students getting discounted rates during off-peak hours. Paddle rental is RM5, and branded balls are sold at RM9 each. All pickled out? Refuel at the nearby Noa diner or break sweat again with a Pilates session at The Flow Studio.
KLGCC, 3, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, KL. Daily, 7am-midnight.
Exercising is an easy and healthy way to reduce stress and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; and a calming atmosphere to play in can be a big help. At Pickle Park, airy spaces and patches of nature lift spirits and get you in sporting mood.
There are two locations — one in the heart of Petaling Jaya at Flour, Fire & Stone, and the other at Lumi, Tropicana. The former is the brand’s flagship spot and has seven courts as well as an open events space, while the latter has six and a lawn for more nature-themed activities. Both offer dining spaces operated by prominent café proprietor Kenny Hills Hospitality Group. The PJ outlet, however, provides shower facilities, making it suitable for those who prefer to play before work or wish to freshen up immediately post-game.
One thing that sets Pickle Park apart is its interesting online system, which quizzes you on your experience and abilities upon registration before placing you on the pickleball rating scale from 1.0 (freshies with only basic understanding of rules and equipment) to 5.5+ (masters who compete in pro-level tournaments). After receiving your ranking, you will be invited to attach a profile picture of yourself so others in the system will recognise you around the courts.
Rental at the PJ outpost is a bit on the pricey end, with side courts going for RM55 to RM80. At RM45 to RM65, the Tropicana ones are slightly more pocket-friendly. Paddles are RM5 and balls are RM10 at both sites.
17, Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim, PJS 13, PJ. 7am-midnight (Mon-Thurs); 7am-1am (Frid-Sat).
With tennis arguably the greatest inspiration for pickleball gameplay, it is perhaps no wonder that the timeless chicness of Wimbledon occupies a central space on every court owner’s vision board. The luscious dark green of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament is a primary hue across Dink Avenue’s property and branding, almost like a promise that players will be in good hands at this Subang Jaya operation.
Featuring six courts, this spot may be on the lower end in terms of capacity, but makes up for it with the buffer zones that wrap around each lot, giving players a little more privacy from neigbouring courts, as well as space from spectators. The on-site café Ratio offers caffeine and snacks to keep you refreshed and energised through hours of play. On occasion, the venue also hosts themed tournament nights and live DJ sessions.
Dink Avenue’s most attractive selling point, though, is that it is pet-friendly, encouraging players to bring their four-legged companions along. Pups are, of course, expected to be leashed and on their best behavior while hanging out at the Pet Patio. Water bowls are supplied to ensure they stay hydrated, and if you ask nicely at the front desk, you might just score a treat for Fido. Cat people swinging by should keep an eye out for resident feline Billie, a mild-tempered lightly spotted calico who is not above lying down for some loving rubs.
Peak-hour bookings here are priced at RM59, while during off-peak times, it is RM39. Don’t have your own paddle? Rent one for just RM5. As at most pickleball places, balls are sold at RM10 each.
Avenue 25, Jalan USJ25, Jalan Makmur, Subang Jaya, Selangor. Daily, 8am-1am.
Despite pickleball’s explosive growth in Malaysia, a common feedback from serious players is that the number and quality of new courts do not seem to match the public’s passion for the sport. Bad lighting conditions, poorly maintained flooring and cramped boundaries make playing less enjoyable and even frustrating for some, boosting demand for more deluxe options. Enter Grand Rally Pickleball, a premium rooftop contender where sterling conditions guarantee a smoother experience.
The devil is really in the details. Boasting a cheery orange and teal palette, the 17 courts were constructed with care and are well maintained in order to provide just the right amount of grip for complex footwork and bounce for satisfying serves. Precision lighting eliminates distracting glares, sharpening focus and accuracy.
For those particularly dedicated to taking their skills to the next level, the personalised coaching service uses customised plans to help you progress at your own pace. In between training sessions, the open play matches offer more casual opportunities to socialise and practise.
The three court tiers are as follows: Grand VIP (RM110 per hour), VIP (RM50 to RM80) and Lounge (RM45 to RM65). Paddle rental is a standard RM5 each, while the upscale Franklin X-40 balls are RM12 each (with pre-booking) and RM15 (walk-ins).
Rooftop (Level 5) Pusat Komersial A, Jalan Plumbum T 7/T, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam. Daily, 8am-1am.
This article first appeared on Aug 4, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
