Padel: The rising sport taking over Southeast Asia

Sightseeing? Cute.

But today’s travelers want more than selfies in front of landmarks, they want to move. Think yoga on the beach, sunrise hikes, or cycling through city streets. Active travel is having its big moment in Southeast Asia.

And right in the middle of that wave? A sport you might not have heard of yet, but trust us, you will: padel.

It’s fun, it’s social, it’s easier to pick up than tennis, and it’s blowing up across the globe. Spain is obsessed. Mexico can’t get enough. And now? Padel Malaysia is officially a thing.

Courts are popping up in Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Locals, expats, even travelers passing through, everyone wants a piece of this new obsession. If you’ve ever thought, “I want a workout that feels like hanging out with friends,” padel is your answer.

What is padel? (and why everyone’s talking about it)

Padel is often described as the perfect mix between tennis and squash — but easier to learn, more social, and surprisingly addictive.

The game is played on a smaller enclosed court, usually about a third the size of a tennis court. The walls are made of glass, and unlike tennis, the ball can bounce off them, adding an exciting strategic twist. Players use solid, stringless rackets and a pressurized ball similar to a tennis ball, which makes rallies longer and friendlier for beginners.

Globally, padel is considered one of the fastest-growing sports. In Spain alone, there are now more padel courts than tennis courts, and the trend is quickly spreading worldwide. This surge is fueled by a few key factors:

• Accessibility: Padel is easy to pick up, even for people who’ve never played a racket sport before.
• Social element: It’s usually played in doubles, making it perfect for groups of friends, families, or even business networking.
• Fitness benefits: The game provides a full-body workout, but it feels more like fun than training.

In Malaysia, the buzz around padel is growing. Locals, expats, and travelers alike are discovering how this sport combines exercise, competition, and community in one experience. 

So if tennis always felt a bit intimidating or squash a little too intense, padel is your new BFF. Once you play, you’ll get why it’s being called the fastest-growing sport in the world.

Where to play padel in Malaysia: 5 Must-try spots

So, you’ve heard the buzz about padel and typed “padel Malaysia” into Google. The next big question is: where can you actually play it? The good news: Malaysia’s padel scene is growing fast, and you’ll find options ranging from stylish rooftop venues to community-driven clubs. Here are five courts worth checking out.

Source: jompadel.com

1. Jom Padel (Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur)

Last but definitely not least, Jom Padel is the heart of the growing community. More than just a venue, it’s Malaysia’s dedicated platform for discovering padel courts, learning the rules, and connecting with other players. 

Beginners love it because of its welcoming vibe, while regulars use it to find matches and stay plugged into the scene. If you’re new to the sport, this is the easiest door in.

• Location: Lot 108, Jalan Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, Kuala Lumpur.
• Why it stands out: If you’re new to padel or traveling in Malaysia and want a straightforward, fun entry point into the sport, Jom Padel offers both the infrastructure and the warm welcome.
• For whom: Beginners or travellers who want guidance + a welcoming community. If you’re new to the sport, this is a strong choice.
• Highlight: 
• Offers beginner-friendly coaching sessions, including “Padel Basics” from grip to rallies, with forehand and backhand.”
• Actively fosters community: promotes friendships, social engagement and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
• They even have a WhatsApp community (join here) where players can find match partners, get event updates, and stay in the loop with Malaysia’s growing padel scene.
• Tip: Mention you’re a beginner and ask about their coaching slots or community match-ups, it’s a great way to connect.

Source: ascaropadel.com

2. ASCARO Padel & Social Club (Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya)

If padel had a luxury lifestyle sibling, this would be it. Sitting on the rooftop of 1 Utama Shopping Centre, ASCARO combines sport with style: glass-walled courts, a rooftop bar, and lounge spaces where matches easily spill into after-game hangouts. It’s where padel meets networking.

Location: Rooftop, Level UR (New Wing), 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya.

Why it stands out: This venue blends sport with social lifestyle, four glass-walled courts with a scenic rooftop setting plus lounge/restaurant/bar amenities. 

For whom: Players who want a premium, stylish experience, good for both serious play and post-game catch-ups.

Note: It comes at a higher price than more basic venues. 

Source: book.padelground.my

3. Padelground Bukit Kiara (Kuala Lumpur)

For those who care more about the game than the cocktails, Padelground is the spot. Known as the first covered padel centre in KL, it offers pro-level courts with consistent conditions no matter the weather. Think of it as the training ground for anyone serious about improving their game.

Location: 3 Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.

Why it stands out: Professional grade courts, pro shop, showers, and ample parking.

For whom: Players who want serious play (training, consistent conditions) rather than the premium social lifestyle.

Tip: Good for rainy/hot days since the cover helps with weather.

Source: padelku.com

4. PadelKu Berjaya Times Square (Kuala Lumpur)

Padel in the middle of the city? Yes, please. PadelKu brings the sport into one of KL’s busiest malls, complete with air-conditioned courts and a café for quick breaks. It’s super convenient for travelers staying downtown or locals looking for a match after work.

Location: Level 6, East Wing, Berjaya Times Square, Imbi, Kuala Lumpur.

Why it stands out: Convenient city-centre location, air-conditioned courts inside a mall complex, café, changing rooms, good for casual play.

For whom: Travellers staying centrally or locals looking for a quick game post-work without needing to drive far.

Tip: Because of the mall location, expect more walk-ins and casual players.

Source: pickledepot.com.my

5. Padel Depot (Sentul West, Kuala Lumpur)

This one is more than just padel, it’s a lifestyle hub. Padel Depot offers courts alongside pickleball, a café, and even co-working areas. Perfect if you want to play, grab a bite, and hang out with friends or colleagues all in one place.

• Location: Jalan Strachan, Sentul West, 51100 Kuala Lumpur.
• Why it stands out: Large multi-sport venue with padel + pickleball courts, social café, restaurant and co-working spaces, a full lifestyle hub
• For whom: Groups of friends, corporate socials, large gatherings, not just single matches, more of a “hang-out + play” space.
• Tip: If you’re travelling with non-players, this offers more amenities for them too.

Why padel is growing fast in Malaysia

If you’ve been spotting more glass‑walled courts popping up around Kuala Lumpur and hearing chatter about new “padel” meetups, you’re not imagining it. In Malaysia, the sport of Padel is rising fast, and for some very good reasons.

1. Accessible  &  social: The perfect combo

One of padel’s biggest selling points is its ease of entry. Unlike some racket sports where beginners struggle for weeks, padel lets you jump in quickly: smaller court, simpler serve, lots of fun rallies. 

One reviewer in some padel court paints it perfectly: Padel is “easy to pick up … wildly addictive, and most importantly, deeply social.” For Malaysians seeking sports that double as social‑hangouts, that’s a strong pull.

2. Urban‑friendly facilities in key areas

Malaysia’s urban centres (especially Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley region) have been embracing padel courts in prime locations. Many existing tennis or under‑used sports spaces are converting to padel, making it faster and more cost‑effective to launch new venues. 

3. Lifestyle trend meets fit‑fun culture

Malaysia is seeing a shift: people don’t just want to work out, they want experiences. A sport that offers workout + social + fun = a good match. A feature in The New Straits Times put it well: “Malaysia’s love affair with the world’s fastest growing sport” is part fitness, part culture.

Add to that the fact that many padel venues double as lifestyle hubs (think post‑game drinks, community events, networking) and it’s clear why the sport appeals beyond just the “serious athlete” crowd.

4. Competitive & event momentum

Growth isn’t just at the recreational level. Malaysia has stepped into the competitive padel scene. The country’s team finished 4th in the inaugural Asia Pacific Padel Cup, showing that the local ecosystem is developing rapidly.

Also, national‑level events like the Volvo Padel Open 2025 (which drew hundreds of players) are injecting fresh energy into the sport’s profile locally.

5. Market opportunity = Growing infrastructure

From an industry standpoint, the numbers back it up. Globally, padel is among the fastest‑growing sports: In Malaysia, one estimate even suggested the local padel clubs market size was projected to double in less than a decade.

Why travelers are falling in love with padel in Southeast Asia

You’ve done the temple tours. You’ve had the beach cocktails. You’ve even tried Muay Thai in Bangkok. But what if your next favorite travel memory is… a game of padel?

Turns out, more and more travelers are adding padel Malaysia to their itinerary, and here’s why:

1. It’s easy to play, even if you’re just passing through

Let’s be honest: tennis and golf can be intimidating if you’re a total beginner. Padel? Not so much. You don’t need a coach, fancy shoes, or a sports scholarship. Just book a court (many places offer rental gear), grab three friends, and you’re good to go.

2. Group fun that actually feels like a workout

Traveling with friends? Padel is a top-tier bonding activity. It’s high-energy but low-pressure: think more laughter, less competition. Plus, it doubles as a workout, so you can burn off that nasi lemak without dragging yourself to a hotel gym.

3. A real way to connect with locals

Some of the best padel clubs in Kuala Lumpur, actively welcome drop-ins and new players. This means you’re not just playing a game, you’re meeting locals, chatting between matches, maybe even getting invited to a mamak session after. It’s sport as social glue.

4. Something unique to share on your travel stories

Let’s face it, everyone’s done the beach shots and waterfall selfies. But telling your friends, “I tried padel in Malaysia” hits different. Bonus points if you learned to play and made new friends along the way.

Want a quick game while you’re in KL? Just head to one of the clubs we mentioned earlier. Most are beginner-friendly, centrally located, and ready to turn your next trip into an active adventure.

Conclusion

It’s official: padel isn’t just a passing trend, it’s becoming a movement. What started as a niche sport in Europe is now exploding across Southeast Asia, and Malaysia is right at the center of the action. From stylish rooftop courts to community-driven clubs like Jom Padel, the country is building a padel culture that’s active, welcoming, and ready for anyone to join.

Whether you’re a local looking for a fun new sport, an expat craving community, or a traveler chasing a unique experience: padel in Malaysia offers all of that and more. It's fun, fast, easy to learn, and most importantly… it brings people together.

So the next time you’re planning your weekend or booking your trip to KL, consider this your official invite: grab a racket, hit the court, and see what the hype is all about.

Because in Malaysia, padel isn’t just a sport, it’s becoming a way of life.

Cheers,

Friska 🐨

Read next: Top 4 Padel court in Malaysia