Corporate Social Responsibility
Nov
How Mad Monkey Hostels Is Redefining Responsible Travel Across Southeast Asia
Mad Monkey has always been known for its lively hostels, where backpackers meet over foam parties, poolside DJ sets, and local tours. But beyond the fun, the brand’s Mad Love program channels this energy into real-world impact. Across all locations, Mad Monkey hosts charity nights, donation drives, community clean-ups, and partnerships with local NGOs, helping travelers contribute to local education, environmental projects, and empowerment programs. “Mad Love is at the heart of everything we do,” said Alex Baker, Global Operations Manager at Mad Monkey Hostels. “We want our guests to have unforgettable experiences while knowing they’re giving back to the communities they visit. It’s part of who we are — social, lively, and purposeful.” Recent highlights demonstrate the program’s growing impact. Mad Monkey Siem Reap and Hanoi recently climbed to Level 2 on Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability, marking a significant step in the brand’s eco-conscious operations. Across all hostels, Mad Love events continue to support local schools, women’s empowerment initiatives, beach clean-ups, and other community projects. Guests are directly involved, turning their travel experiences into meaningful contributions The program proves that responsible travel doesn’t need to be formal or corporate. Guests might spend the afternoon on a cultural tour or pool games, then join a fundraiser or volunteer activity in the evening. It’s this mix of connection, fun, and impact that makes Mad Monkey’s approach unique. As the brand expands further across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mad Love ensures that every guest experience leaves a positive footprint. By combining vibrant social spaces with meaningful community engagement, Mad Monkey is showing the world that responsible travel can be dynamic, authentic, and fun — and that the future of social hostels is rooted in community, culture, and care. About Mad Monkey Hostels Mad Monkey is a leading hostel operator in Southeast Asia, known for experience-driven stays that blend affordable accommodation with community, adventure, and unforgettable social energy. With locations across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, and Australia, Mad Monkey is more than a place to stay – it’s a place to belong.
Oct
Mad Monkey Stands With Cebu Following the 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake
Last night, a powerful earthquake struck Cebu, shaking communities and leaving many families facing loss, damage, and uncertainty. At Mad Monkey, the Philippines isn’t just where we run hostels – it’s part of our Monkey family, and we want to step up in support of the communities that make our experiences here possible. How We’re Helping To aid in relief and recovery, Mad Monkey will be donating a portion of bookings from across the Philippines to organizations working on the ground in Cebu. Here’s how you can be part of it: 10% of all direct bookings made for any Mad Monkey Philippines property will go toward earthquake relief efforts. When You Can Book This initiative will run from Thursday through Sunday (Oct 02 – 05, 2025) only. Any booking made during this window will count toward donations, and your stay dates can be anytime through the end of the year. Why It Matters We believe travel should make a positive impact. Right now, that means helping Cebu recover, rebuild, and support families affected by the earthquake. By booking your next stay, you’ll be contributing to relief efforts while also locking in your next Mad Monkey adventure. Header image credit: Jonathan Guliban/China Daily
Oct
Mad Monkey Supports Vietnam After Typhoon Bualoi
This past week, Typhoon Bualoi struck Vietnam, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and devastation to communities across the country, especially in Northern Vietnam towns of Nghe An and Ha Tinh. Hundreds of thousands of families have been displaced, homes damaged, and livelihoods disrupted. At Mad Monkey, Vietnam isn’t just where we operate – it’s our home, and we want to do our part to support the communities who have welcomed us and our guests with open arms. How We’re Helping To contribute to relief and recovery efforts, Mad Monkey will be donating a portion of upcoming bookings directly to organizations working on the ground in affected areas. Here’s how you can be part of the effort: 10% of all direct bookings made for any Mad Monkey Vietnam property will be donated to relief efforts.$5 from every Ha Giang Loop tour booking will also be donated. When You Can Book This initiative will run from Thursday through Sunday (Oct 02 – 05, 2025) only. Any booking made within this period will count toward donations, and your stay or tour dates can be anytime through the end of the year. Why It Matters Travel has the power to create positive change, not just for travelers, but for the communities we’re part of. Your booking not only supports our Mad Monkey family but also directly contributes to rebuilding and recovery for those most affected by Typhoon Bualoi. Header image credit: Đỗ Tuấn Anh/VNA/AP Photo/picture alliance
Oct
Mad Monkey Hoi An Achieves Hostelworld Level 2 Sustainability Badge – Leading Eco-Friendly Travel in Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam – October 2024 – We’re excited to announce that Mad Monkey Hoi An proudly earned the Hostelworld Level 2 Sustainability badge! This makes us one of the first hostels in Hoi An, and possibly all of Vietnam, to achieve this milestone in eco-friendly travel. Our commitment to sustainability drives our efforts to protect the environment and support the local community. We’ve made impactful changes to our operations. From using biodegradable packaging and reducing plastic waste to running an electric shuttle and sourcing eco-friendly products. It’s not just about individual actions—it’s the collective effort of our entire team. How We Got Here The road to this award wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. Thanks to Brett, Hương, Paris, Mai, Mr. Chau, and our Vietnam Regional Team, we’ve implemented wide-ranging sustainable practices. Here’s a glimpse into how we’ve transformed our hostel: Plastic-Free Commitment We’ve replaced single-use plastic with biodegradable packaging and paper straws (on request). We recycle and transform the remaining plastic waste into sustainable products through our reusable bottle program and Not Just Plastic partnership. Eco-Friendly Products We stock eco-friendly cleaning supplies and buy in bulk to reduce waste, staying committed to our sustainability goals. Energy & Water Conservation Our energy-saving initiatives include timed lighting in public spaces and individual room controls for heating and cooling. Additionally, we’ve installed systems to reduce water consumption and ensure proper wastewater treatment. Supporting Local Moreover, we work with local suppliers, boosting the local economy while keeping our carbon footprint low. The Mad Monkey Mission At the heart of Mad Monkey Hoi An is our commitment to the community and environment. Ultimately, this badge is more than just recognition—it’s a testament to our belief that responsible travel can be fun, immersive, and impactful. It reflects our belief that responsible travel can be fun, immersive, and rewarding. What’s Next? With this milestone behind us, we’re not stopping here. We’re excited to continue our sustainability journey. From new eco-friendly initiatives to engaging guests in reducing waste, our efforts to keep Hoi An and Vietnam beautiful are just beginning. Join us at Mad Monkey Hoi An, where adventure meets sustainability, and let’s build a greener future together.
Oct
Mad Monkey Leads the Charge in Hostel Sustainability: Coogee Beach Achieves Level 2
Sydney, Australia, October 2024. At Mad Monkey, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a movement. With eco-conscious travelers at heart, we’re stepping up our game and leading the way in creating sustainable travel experiences across all our properties. The latest triumph? Our Mad Monkey Coogee Beach hostel has proudly achieved Level 2 in Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability program, paving the way for our other locations to follow suit. What is Level 2 Sustainability? Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability outlines four key pillars that hostels must master to achieve sustainability certifications: Sustainable Management, Socio-Economic Impact, Cultural Impact, and Environmental Impact. Achieving Level 2 means we’ve demonstrated a strong commitment across all these areas. Additionally, we go beyond the basics to make a tangible impact on both the local and global environment. At Mad Monkey, hostel sustainability is a centerpiece of our efforts. For Coogee Beach, this achievement reflects the hostel’s dedication to sustainable business practices, community support, and eco-friendly purchasing. Furthermore, we engage with local culture—all while delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests. How Mad Monkey Coogee Beach Leads in Sustainability Here’s how our Coogee Beach property exemplifies Level 2 compliance: 1. Sustainable Management We’ve implemented a clear sustainability strategy, measuring and documenting our progress, and ensuring our team members are fully trained. Guests are encouraged to give feedback, which we actively incorporate to improve our sustainability efforts. Plus, legal compliance is top priority, and all documents are readily available to maintain hostel sustainability. 2. Environmental Responsibility At Coogee Beach, we’ve made eco-friendly purchasing a priority. We’ve switched to biodegradable cleaning products, reduced plastic in our bathrooms and kitchens, and are sourcing products with recyclable or returnable packaging. We’ve also installed systems to measure energy and waste consumption. Moreover, we make sure to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. Our team is committed to conserving water and protecting local biodiversity—no small feat in a bustling beachside location. This contributes greatly to hostel sustainability. 3. Support for the Local Community Coogee Beach fosters close relationships with local businesses and encourages guests to engage with the community. We work with local vendors and support community groups, providing spaces for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products. Whether it’s local art, food, or crafts, our hostel ensures backpackers also get a true taste of Coogee’s vibrant culture. This community focus is integral to our hostel sustainability approach. 4. Cultural Impact To enrich our travelers’ experience, we provide information on the local heritage and cultural significance of Coogee and surrounding areas. Guests can access this information in-hostel and digitally through our website and social media. Plus, we educate guests on respectfully visiting sensitive sites and leaving no trace. These measures support our cultural impact and overall hostel sustainability. Coogee Beach Sets the Example for All Mad Monkey Properties With Coogee Beach setting the bar high, we’re working to bring all Mad Monkey hostels up to Level 2. This is part of our bigger plan to become a leader in sustainable hostels worldwide, ensuring that eco-conscious backpackers can enjoy amazing travel experiences with a clear conscience. As of writing, Mad Monkey Coogee Beach is the only hostel in Sydney to reach Level 2, making it a true trailblazer in hostel sustainability. We’re excited to expand these initiatives, train team members, refine our environmental strategies, and engage more with local communities at each Mad Monkey property. From energy conservation to zero plastic goals, each hostel will have a tailored roadmap to reach Level 2, and Coogee Beach has provided us with a shining example of what’s possible for hostel sustainability. Why This Matters for You, The Traveler Travel is…