You've probably noticed it. A friend who suddenly won't stop talking about pickleball. Courts appearing in places you'd never expect. A sport that seems to have come from nowhere and is now absolutely everywhere.
Pickleball has arrived in Singapore — and it's not slowing down.
There are now over 5,000 active players in Singapore, with public court bookings tripling in the last 24 months. The Singapore government has committed to building 50 new multipurpose courts for badminton and pickleball over the next five years — a clear signal that this sport is here to stay.
If you've been curious about pickleball but don't know where to start, this guide covers everything — what the sport is, where to play in Singapore, how much it costs and what to wear.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a racket sport played on a small court — roughly the size of a badminton court — with a solid paddle and a hollow plastic ball with holes. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis into a game that's fast, social and surprisingly addictive.
Always played in doubles, the sport is known for its signature "kitchen" — a no-volley zone near the net that creates a unique tactical dimension. Rallies are longer than tennis, the learning curve is gentler, and the social energy on court is unlike anything else.
It's the sport where beginners and experienced players can share a court and both have a great time. That's rare — and it's a big part of why pickleball is growing so fast.
Where to play pickleball in Singapore
Singapore now has more places to play than ever. Here's a breakdown by type:
Public and budget courts
ActiveSG courts start from SGD 3.50 per hour for outdoor courts — the most affordable option on the island. Many community clubs also offer pickleball on their multipurpose courts for as little as SGD 4-10 per hour, flying under the radar as one of the best value options in Singapore.
Dedicated private clubs
For a more premium experience with proper courts, coaching and community:
Straits Pickle Club at Jurong Play Grounds offers open play sessions where you can meet likeminded players matched by skill level. Court booking starts from SGD 22 on weekdays and SGD 32 on weekends.
The Sports Arina at Expo — Singapore's first air-conditioned pickleball court — reopened in December 2025 with 12 courts split into Executive and Pro courts, with grippier mats and a larger run-off area. In April 2026 they expanded further with a new facility in Jalan Kayu.
New Bahru's pickleball courts operate almost 24 hours on most days — one of the few spots in Singapore where you can play at any hour, even midnight.
New venues opening in 2026
The Kallang Hard Courts near National Stadium Gate 13 opened in January 2026 with six court spaces. Eight more courts are arriving at the Little India Bus Terminal — one of the most centrally accessible new court locations in the city.
Chinese Swimming Club is opening a new LED-controlled pickleball court in September 2026, located in The Astrium with a skylit court that gives the feel of playing outdoors.
How much does it cost to play?
Commercial pickleball courts in Singapore typically cost SGD 20-40 per hour. ActiveSG courts start at SGD 3.50 for outdoor and SGD 15-20 for sheltered courts. Community club courts sit in between at SGD 4-10 per hour.
Most venues include paddle and ball rental for beginners — so you don't need to invest in equipment before you know you love it.
How do I get started?
The easiest way to start is to book a beginner session at one of the dedicated clubs. Most offer:
- Introductory lessons — coaches who teach the basics in one session
- Open play — casual sessions where you join other players at your level
- Social games — the best way to meet the pickleball community
Straits Pickle Club and Play! Pickle both offer beginner-friendly sessions. The Sports Arina at Expo is another great starting point with its professional facilities.
If you want to keep costs low, grab a friend and book an ActiveSG court — a quick YouTube tutorial is enough to get a rally going on your first session.
What to wear to pickleball
Pickleball is a social sport — which means what you wear matters almost as much as how you play. The standard gym kit works for casual play, but if you're going regularly you'll want activewear that's designed for the dynamic movements of racket sports.
Look for:
- Freedom of movement — four-way stretch fabrics that move with you
- Breathability — you'll work up a sweat, especially in Singapore's heat
- Court-to-life style — because the best sessions end with coffee or drinks after
At BARDSI we design specifically for women who play court sports — pieces that perform on the pickleball court and look great when the game is over. Our Court to Life collection is built for exactly this: from the first serve to the last rally and everywhere after.
The pickleball community in Singapore
What makes pickleball special isn't just the sport — it's the people. The Singapore pickleball community is welcoming, social and growing fast. Most clubs have WhatsApp groups, regular social sessions and a culture of staying for drinks after.
If you're new to Singapore or looking to meet people, pickleball is one of the fastest ways to build a social circle. Show up to an open play session, introduce yourself and you'll have a new group of friends before the session is over.
That's the magic of court sports. And it's exactly why we built BARDSI around them.
Ready to play? Find your nearest court and book your first session. And when you need something to wear — we've got you covered.
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