A HOME FOR TRAVELLERS

The YMCA of Kuala Lumpur began providing lodging to its guests since the 20th of August 1931 after it was inaugurated officially by His Excellency, Sir Cecil Clementi G.C.M.G.  At a time when trade was bad and money was scarce, the hostel became a boon for the YMCA of Kuala Lumpur as it turned out to be one of the better haunts for traveling youths who needed a clean and safe place to stay overnight. The foundation stone of the original white stone building was laid in September, 1914 and the YMCA of Kuala Lumpur building came into use in 1915.  It was never contemplated that a hostel would one day be built, because the original building was not constructed to carry a second storey. In ten years after the Hostel had been established, the Association's work and activities developed greatly. The YMCA KL Hostel became a transitional hub for travelling British Officers newly assigned throughout the Federated States of Malaya, becoming a safe location to rest and stay active for young men.

A HOSTEL OF HOPE

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During the Japanese Occupation of Malaya in 1942, for some time the Association was able to continue its normal activity. The favoured treatment given to the YMCA KL in the earlier part of the Occupation was largely due to the interest and good offices of a Japanese Christian, Mr Ogawa. It was allowed to retain its building so the Hostel could carry on.

Unfortunately, after he moved away from Kuala Lumpur, the building and ground were eventually taken over by the Japanese forces during the latter half of the Occupation. The YMCA KL Hostel was re-established on a reduced scale in another nearby building but was also taken over by the Japanese military after some time. It was however wrecked by a bomb in an air-raid on the railway marshalling yards in March 1945. For a few more years, the YMCA KL had no home and the Hostel was not a safe place to occupy until the building was returned to the Association in 1946.

A HUMBLE BEACON OF CHANGE

These days, the YMCA of Kuala Lumpur Hostel provides a humble stay for the traveling groups or individuals, be it families and friends on a road-trip or just the lone backpacker to the nomadic businessman.  Our humble hostel provides air-conditioned and carpeted rooms and fitted with a working Colour Television and a Telephone.  Even though only our Standard Rooms comes with an Attached Bathroom, each of our Bathrooms are provided with a Hot Shower.  The YMCA of Kuala Lumpur Hostel works under a 24 hours CCTV surveillance and provides Security Service for the Car Park as well.