7 Trending Sports In Malaysia If You're Not A Gym Kinda Person But Wanna Stay Active
Sometimes, it's just a hobby or to sweat.
By Tamara Jayne — 15 Feb 2024, 11:31 AM
1. Pickleball
Pickleball has been around internationally for years, but it has recently begun to pick up in popularity in Malaysia. It's a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Typically played on a court with a similar size to a doubles badminton court, the game involves two or four players who use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. There are pickleball clubs you can join that play in different courts all over Malaysia.
Where to play:
- Pickle Social Club, KLGCC
- Impian Courts, Johor Bahru
- Hornbill Sports, Miri
- Pisau Boat Club, Miri
- RB Homestay & Farms, Kuching
- ESM Pickters Arena, KL
- Corona Pickleball Penang
- Play! Tennis, Penang
2. Pilates
Mat and reformer pilates are two popular forms of pilates.
Mat is performed on the floor using a yoga or exercise mat, while reformer utilises a specialised piece of equipment called a reformer, which consists of a sliding carriage attached to springs, pulleys, and straps.
Pilates exercises are designed to improve posture, balance, and coordination while simultaneously increasing strength and flexibility. The focus on proper alignment and controlled movements helps prevent injury and promotes efficient movement patterns.
Where to try:
- Renew Physiotherapy & Pilates, PJ
- The Flow Studio, KL
- Urban Spring Pilates, KL
- TÒNE by Babel, KL
- Sculpt Club, KL
3. Padel
Padel is a sport that originated in Mexico but gained popularity primarily in Spain, Latin America, and now, Malaysia! It shares similarities with tennis and squash but has its own unique characteristics.
The game is played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court, typically with walls made of glass or mesh. It is usually played in doubles, although singles matches are also common. Players use solid paddles and a pressurised ball similar to a tennis ball, but with less bounce.
Where to play:
- ASCARO Padel & Social Club, KL
- PadelKu, KL
- One&Only Desaru Coast, Johor
4. Bouldering
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that doesn't use ropes or harnesses, and is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Malaysia has indoor bouldering gyms in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, among others. These gyms offer climbers a controlled environment to practise bouldering, with a variety of climbing routes graded by difficulty level.
Where to try:- Camp5 Climbing Gym, KL & PJ
- Bump Bouldering, KL & PJ
- Bolder Ventures, Subang Jaya
- Rocky Basecamp, Shah Alam & Johor Bahru
5. Spin
Spin classes have gained popularity in recent years as a high-energy, group fitness activity. Many fitness centres and gyms in Malaysia offer indoor cycling classes.
These classes take place in studios outfitted with stationary bikes, where instructors guide participants through cycling routines set to music. The routines are designed to vary in speed, resistance, and cycling positions, mimicking outdoor cycling for a full-body workout.
Where to try:
- CLUBALOHA, KL
- Journey Indoor Cycling Studio, KL
- Tribe Ride, KL
- FlyProject, KL & PJ
- Cycology, PJ
- PWRHOUSE, KL
6. Skateboarding
Malaysia has a growing skateboarding community that you might often see at various skateparks all across the country.
If you're new to the sport, skateboarding lessons can be found with a quick search on Google. These lessons cater to beginners and provide a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of skateboarding in a supportive environment.
Where to try:
- Bukit Jalil National Stadium Skatepark, KL
- Shah Alam Extreme Park, Shah Alam
- Sungai Kantan Youth Park, Kajang
- USJ 1 Skatepark, Subang Jaya
- Mont Kiara Skatepark, KL
- TTDI Mini-Ramp, KL
7. Surfing
Malaysia's surf culture is developing but has definitely increased in popularity over the years. Surfing conditions may vary throughout the year, but you will find a variety of surf spots suitable for surfers of different skill levels in Malaysia.
The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia experiences the monsoon season from November to March, during which time the surf can be particularly good. On the west coast, the surf season typically runs from April to October when the monsoon winds are calmer. However, surfers can find waves year-round, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
Where to try:
- Cherating Beach, Kuantan
- Perhentian, Terengganu
- Desaru Beach, Johor
- Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Kedah
- Pantai Tengah, Langkawi
- Juara Beach and Mentawak Beach, Tioman Island, Pahang
