San Mateo pickleball lovers now have a new spot: six courts at Timberland Highlands Resort, open from 7 a.m. and built for beginners and groups.
Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo, Rizal, has launched Pickleball Camp, a six-court facility with daily open play, introductory lessons, and private rentals. Filinvest Hospitality announced the camp on October 9, 2026.
The resort is about a 1 to 2 hour drive from Metro Manila, depending on traffic and starting point. Filinvest Hospitality says the courts are approved by the USA Pickleball Association. A blue wall at the camp carries its slogan: “Great minds dink alike.” A dink is pickleball’s soft shot, a gentle return that lands just over the net.
What the camp offers
The camp is open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Friday through Sunday. Filinvest Hospitality lists organized games, food and hydration stations, and a community for beginners and experienced players.
New players can sign up for introductory sessions and basic coaching on the fundamentals, court positioning, and rules. Demo paddles may be available during selected sessions.
Courts can also be rented for celebrations and private parties. Special packages are offered for groups of 20 to 50 guests. Reservations go through the Pickleball Camp Timberland Facebook page, and activities are listed on the booking app Reclub. Camp merchandise, including shirts, is sold on site.
Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi, Timberland Highlands Resort Executive Chef and Director of Operations, described the camp as “a place for groups to get moving, try something new, and enjoy time together between games.”
Why pickleball in San Mateo, Rizal now
Pickleball was barely known in Philippines a decade ago. Veteran players trace the local scene to “street pickleball” in Ortigas, Pasig, where players stretched portable nets across makeshift courts. Mike Johnson, co-founder of the Philippine Pickleball Federation, says it began in 2016 with a net and some paddles donated by a friend.
The Philippine Pickleball Federation now counts 492 affiliated clubs, more than 46,400 registered players, and 427 venues. Reclub has registered more than 100,000 Filipino players. In malls, SM Active Hub reports 86 pickleball courts across 29 locations.
Court supply has not kept pace. Federation officials name the shortage of dedicated courts that meet international standards as a main obstacle, according to Allure Philippines.
Pickleball Camp joins facilities already on the grounds. The resort opened in March 2021 on 8.6 hectares as a mountain eco-development.
A suggested day runs from coffee and pastries at Baker J to the Active Zone, then the pool, then dinner at Le Stelle. The Timberland Bike Park takes mountain bikers of varying skill levels. Rooms are available for overnight stays.
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