Opening today: Gardens by the Bay has opened two free padel courts on West Lawn from 19 September to 11 October 2026. Sessions run from 8am to 10pm in two-hour booking blocks, with reservations made through the Playtomic app.

Singapore has a very photogenic new place to try padel: right beside the Supertrees. Padel at the Gardens is a temporary activation at Gardens by the Bay, with two custom-built courts on West Lawn near Active Garden. Court bookings are free, and the programme runs for just over three weeks.

The event is presented by UBS with Gardens by the Bay as programme partner. The official event page describes it as a first-of-its-kind Singapore padel activation and part of UBS’s regional Padel Series, which puts courts at prominent Asia-Pacific landmarks.

For residents, it is a chance to try a sport that is becoming increasingly visible around Singapore without paying a court fee. For travellers, it is an unusual way to add something active to a Marina Bay day — provided you can secure one of the limited booking slots.

01 · What exactly is Padel at the Gardens?

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played on an enclosed court, where the surrounding walls are part of the game. The Gardens by the Bay activation has two courts set against the Supertree backdrop.

The official venue is listed as UBS Centre Court at Gardens by the Bay, West Lawn, near Active Garden. It is a temporary installation rather than a new permanent sports facility.

Dates: Saturday 19 September to Sunday 11 October 2026.
Hours: 8am–10pm daily.
Booking length: two hours per session.
Court fee: free, subject to availability and weather.

02 · How to book a free court

Bookings are handled through the Playtomic app. Gardens by the Bay says app bookings open at 8am on 19 September.

The official booking sequence is:

  1. Download Playtomic from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Create a profile or log in.
  3. Choose “Book a Court” and search for “UBS Centre Court at Gardens by the Bay”.
  4. Select a date and browse the available times.
  5. Choose an open court and submit the booking.

Because there are only two courts and bookings are complimentary, expect the most convenient evening and weekend sessions to be the first to disappear. If your preferred slot is gone, checking less popular daytime periods may give you a better chance.

03 · The court is free — equipment is not

The important distinction is between the court booking and optional equipment rental. The court itself is free. If you do not bring your own gear, Gardens by the Bay lists on-site rental at:

  • S$15 per racquet, non-refundable; and
  • S$12 per tube of padel balls, with three balls per tube.

If you already play and own suitable equipment, bringing it avoids the rental cost. If you are simply trying padel for the first time, factor the equipment fee into what is otherwise a free court session.

04 · Book only if you can actually use the slot

Complimentary courts can create a no-show problem, so the organisers ask players who cannot attend to cancel at least three days before the scheduled session. That gives the slot a chance to go back into the booking pool for somebody else.

It is a sensible rule for a pop-up with only two courts. If your plans change, cancelling promptly is better than holding a scarce free session that nobody uses.

05 · Rain and haze can stop play

Bookings are subject to prevailing weather conditions, including haze. The organisers reserve the right to close the courts for adverse weather, operational needs or unforeseen circumstances.

There is also a specific haze rule: the courts operate under Sport Singapore’s haze-management guidelines and will temporarily close if the 24-hour PSI reaches the Very Unhealthy range above 200.

The event page tells participants to check the National Environment Agency’s latest haze advisory before heading to their session. That is particularly relevant during the current September period, when air-quality conditions can change.

Practical move: re-check the weather and current haze advisory before leaving, especially if your session is later in the day. A confirmed booking does not guarantee play if conditions become unsafe.

06 · Who is this best for?

The activation is designed to be accessible to people across ages and sporting abilities, but it will suit a few groups particularly well:

  • Padel regulars who want an unusual city-centre court setting.
  • Curious beginners who have wanted to try the sport without paying a court hire fee.
  • Families and groups of friends looking for an active outing at Gardens by the Bay.
  • Travellers already spending time around Marina Bay who are happy to plan around a fixed booking.

It is not a walk-up attraction in the same sense as wandering through the outdoor gardens. The useful mindset is to treat the court time as a timed booking and build the rest of your Gardens by the Bay visit around it.

07 · A simple planning checklist

  • Book through Playtomic and save the confirmed time.
  • Check whether you are bringing your own racquet and balls or renting onsite.
  • Allow time to reach West Lawn near Active Garden before your session.
  • Wear clothing and footwear suitable for court sport.
  • Check the weather and NEA haze advisory on the day.
  • If you cannot attend, cancel at least three days beforehand where possible.

The activation ends on 11 October 2026, so this is a short-window event rather than something to leave on a future-trip wish list indefinitely.

08 · Sources and verification

This report was fresh-checked on 19 September 2026 against the current official event information:

  • Gardens by the Bay — Padel at the Gardens, confirming dates, opening hours, two courts, West Lawn location, Playtomic booking steps, free court use, equipment-rental fees, cancellation guidance and weather/haze conditions.

Checked: 19 Sep 2026. Court availability can change quickly, so use the live Gardens by the Bay event page and Playtomic listing before travelling.