Thinking of heading to Johor Bahru (JB) for some pickleball fun? For pickleball enthusiasts, securing a court in Singapore can sometimes be difficult given the growing popularity of the sport. Hence, heading across the causeway where courts are plentiful, ideal and accessibly priced could be an option.
We checked out six courts in Johor Bahru and share our experience.
If you’re new to the sport and thinking of picking it up, here’s our guide on how to start!
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6 Pickleball Courts in JB to Check Out
Many pickleball courts can be found in warehouses. This means they might be in industrial estates and could be a little more challenging to find for first-timers. However, despite the distance the quality of the courts far surpass the hurdles in getting to the courts. I found the courts to be generally well-maintained, reasonably priced especially during off-peak hours and relatively easy to book even at the last minute.
The courts are also open till late night! Thinking of a game after supper? Bring the game to the courts in JB!
No paddles nor balls? No worries, you can borrow all the needful equipment from the courts.
Kicks Pickle Exchange – Taman Gembira
The signature red walls and floors of Kicks Pickle Exchange are probably why it is a memorable place to play pickleball at. There are six VIP courts and two tournament-grade courts. Courts are separated with waist-level metal fences.
I liked how the layout of the courts meant “ball in” scenarios are fewer. Each court has a dedicated seating and table for players to rest at or watch the play. There are also paddle holders perfect for socials.
Bathrooms are air-conditioned! They also have the basic amenities like hair dryer. For those who want some food and drinks, you can purchase them at the air-conditioned reception area. It also has a small merchandise area, plus seating for players waiting.
The courts open at 9 am and close at 1 am daily and costs start from RM45 an hour.
Where: 6A, Jalan Riang Utama, Taman Gembira, 81200 Johor Bahru
Court Rates: VIP Court: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm Price: RM45/hr (min: 1hr) 5 pm to 1 am Price: RM60/hr (min: 1hr)
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday 9:00am – 1:00am Price: RM60/hr (min: 1hr)
Tournament Court: Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm Price: RM50/hr (min: 1hr) 5 pm to 1 am Price: RM70/hr (min: 1hr)
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday 9 am to 1 am Price: RM 70/h (min: 1hr)
Open 9 am to 1 am daily
Kicks Pickle Exchange
Play at Dewani
The courts at Play at Dewani have recently been upgraded with PPA court surfacing system! One of our favourite courts, the vibes at Play at Dewani hit different with the trees indoors and the cool grey interiors. A whopping total of 6 pickleball tournament courts, 12 standard courts, 19 badminton courts and two basketball courts await eager players.
I like the tournament courts for the barriers in between courts. Standard courts have fewer barriers in between courts at the time of visit. As a pickleballer, minimal disruption to games is always appreciated.
The facility also has instagrammable toilets with basic showers and amenities.
It has a well-stocked retail shop selling pickleball paddles and accessories. A cafe is also onsite for the smoothie fix – ideal for people-watching while sipping on your beverage.
Where: Lot 1566, Kawasan Perindustrian Dewani, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Court Rates: Weekdays 9 am to 5 pm from RM50 per hour, Weeknights, Weekends & Public Holidays from RM60 per hour
Open 9 am to 12 midnight daily
Play at Dewani
91Pickleball Clubhouse (formerly Picklechamps) – Skudai
With 13 courts, 91 Pickleball Clubhouse is another popular haunt for pickleball players. It is also housed in a warehouse and located next to other warehouses with badminton courts. One perk is the food court right next to it where one can have a meal conveniently in between games.
The setup is similar to Kicks with aisles in between courts. The metal fences also prevent balls from flying in or out to an extent. Huge benches and tables can be used to put belongings on with fans cooling the place down. It was rather warm during the midday at the time of visit.
Toilets have showers but are basic compared to Kicks and Play at Dewani.
Where: 8 1, PDT 62580 Batu, Block B, 2, Lbh Skudai, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai
Court Rates: Weekdays 8 am to 6 pm RM48 per hour, 6 pm to 1 am RM68 per hour, Weekends and Public Holidays 8 am to 1 am RM68 per hour, 10 pm onwards 40RM per hour (current promotion)
Open 8 am to 1 am daily
91 Pickleball Clubhouse
D Picklezone – Masai
D Picklezone is also in a warehouse together with a retail store that does customising of paddles. Those looking to give their paddle a new look with customisable grips and edges would love the store. It also has a huge range of paddles for players to try. The courts might be a little trickier to get to, do slow down as you might miss the building.
There are a total of 9 tournament courts and 4 standard courts. I recommend the tournament courts due to the partitions in between courts. It was slightly dark and not as well lit when I visited in the late afternoon.
Toilets have showers but are also more basic.
Where: PTD 75289, Jalan Harum Utama, Taman Perindustrian Sri Plentong, Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Court Rates: Indoor courts from RM40 per hour on Weekdays to RM60 per hour on weekends and peak hours
D Picklezone
Pickle Connection – Nusa Bestari
Located in a supermarket, Pickle Connection is air-conditioned! It has 5 courts with a few partitions using netting and barriers. Do note that balls can fly right into the supermarket aisles next to it. There is some seating located at each court.
These courts are convenient for those looking to shop for groceries. There are also a few food options in the same building.
Where: Jalan Bestari 7/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, Johor Bahru 81200
Court Rates: From RM30 per hour
Open from 9 am to 12 midnight daily
JuzDink – Skudai
Despite the high ratings on Google reviews, I found JuzDink’s three courts available to be less ideal than the other courts. Unfortunately at the time of visit, there was no water supply and the toilets were also not very clean. Given the small seating area, and more basic-looking space, JuzDink was less welcoming than expected.
Courts are separated by taller nettings and barriers. Paddles and balls can be loaned here.
Where: 5, Jalan Selatan 8/1, Kawasan Perindustrian Selatan, 81300 Skudai
Court Rates: From RM38 per hour
Open from 8 am to 1 am daily
JuzDink
