Mad Monkey in the news
Dec
Ironman for Impact: Mad Monkey Co-Founder Pushes 226km to Raise $8,000 for Cambodia’s Rabbit School
The significant donation was the result of Darroch’s grueling Ironman Western Australia journey—a 226km endurance race—where $4,000 was raised through the incredible kindness of friends, family, and supporters. To maximize the impact, Mad Monkey matched the total amount raised, doubling the final contribution to $8,000. For Darroch, the mission was deeply personal. As a parent of a child who is autistic and has a speech delay, he knows firsthand how essential specialized support and early intervention are for families. “It was an absolute pleasure to hand over this donation,” said Alex Darroch. “As a parent, I understand how challenging this journey can be and just how important the right support and awareness are—not only for the children but for entire families. Access to specialized education and care can make a life-changing difference, and seeing this community come together to support Rabbit School has been truly humbling.” To make this donation possible, Darroch pushed through a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km full marathon. The funds delivered will go directly toward strengthening the school’s education system and clearing the waiting list for new students. Where the Impact Goes: While the donation has been delivered, the “Big Push” for education continues. Mad Monkey remains committed to its long-standing partnership with the Rabbit School to ensure that every child in Cambodia has access to the care and education they deserve. How to Support the Rabbit School The community is encouraged to continue supporting the school’s mission through the following channels: 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.
Dec
Mad Monkey Launches ‘Takeovers’: A Zero-Fee Group Travel Platform for Creators
To kick off the launch, Mad Monkey has unveiled its first pilot route: The Cambodia Kingdom Run. True to the program’s promise of “9 Days. 3 Cities. Zero Worries,” this route provides the blueprint for creators to lead high-energy, immersive journeys without the logistical headaches or the high commissions of third-party platforms. Key Benefits of the Takeovers Program: The Pilot Route: The Cambodia Kingdom Run The Cambodia Kingdom Run showcases the power of the Takeovers model. This 9-day journey through the heart of Cambodia offers a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and social connection: “Creators are the engine of modern travel, and we believe they should spend their time building connections, not chasing commissions,” says Kyle Kenny, Commercial Director at Mad Monkey. “Through the Takeovers program, we provide the ultimate social infrastructure and local expertise, while the creators bring the vision. We’ve simplified the process: we provide the beds and the bookings, they provide the tribe, and together we create an unforgettable experience. The Mad Monkey Creator Ecosystem The launch of Takeovers serves as the monetization arm of Mad Monkey’s broader commitment to talent. The brand also continues to host its established Creative Hub, a creator exchange program that offers digital creators, photographers, and musicians a way to trade their skills for stays and share their work with a global audience. Host Your Own Takeover Applications are now open for creators ready to lead their community on The Cambodia Kingdom Run as the pilot route, or to collaborate with Mad Monkey to build their own custom route across Southeast Asia. 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.
Dec
Community Spirit and Siem Reap Sprints: Mad Monkey and ADA Global Raise $18,700 for Cambodia’s Rabbit School
The fundraising effort kicked off with an epic collective race through the heart of Siem Reap. Participants pushed through a total of 700 kilometers, with every single kilometer earning $10 for the cause. This collective hustle brought in $7,000, showcasing the incredible stamina and spirit of the local community and the ADA Global team. The momentum didn’t stop at the finish line. In an incredible show of leadership and commitment, ADA Global leaders auctioned off their own bikes, bringing in an additional $11,700. “We wanted to show that travel can be a force for good,” said Alex Darroch, Co-founder of Mad Monkey. “Seeing the community come together to smash a 700km goal and then bid so generously on the bikes shows the deep connection we have with the people of Siem Reap.” For over a decade, Mad Monkey has supported Rabbit School, an NGO dedicated to providing vital education and therapy to children with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities. Despite their success, the demand is higher than ever. The primary goal of this year’s “Big Push” is to clear the school’s extensive waiting list, ensuring that no child is left without the support they deserve. This initiative goes beyond a single race; it embodies a shared belief that travel and community engagement must be a force for positive change. This is the ‘Mad Monkey way’—a philosophy that proves every level of effort counts. Whether it’s through a collective 700km sprint or a high-stakes bike auction, every bit of effort goes toward giving these children a future. Support the Rabbit School Mission The incredible funds raised are just the starting point. To help clear the current waiting list and support the ongoing operational needs of the Rabbit School, you can contribute in the following ways. Mad Monkey will be matching every dollar donated, effectively doubling your impact. 1. Make a Monetary Donation 2. Donate Resources The school welcomes donations of resources such as books, toys, art supplies, sensory items, and educational games. 3. Amplify the Message Share this story widely to help spread awareness and reach more potential donors and supporters worldwide. About ADA Global: ADA is a pioneer in data and AI solutions, digital commerce, and customer engagement, driving digital transformation for enterprises across Asia. With a commitment to using technology for good, ADA proudly supports community initiatives that create a lasting positive impact. About Rabbit School: The Rabbit School is a Cambodian NGO that has been a pioneer in providing education and vocational training to children and youths with intellectual disabilities since 1997. 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.
Nov
How Social Hostels Are Redefining Gen Z Travel and Modern Tourism
Hostels used to be known purely as a cheap place to crash. Today, they’re booming for a totally different reason: travelers actually want to be there. Social hostels have evolved into high-energy hubs where friendships form instantly and adventure feels built into the walls. For Mad Monkey, this isn’t a trend — it’s their entire identity. “Gen Z travelers don’t just want to see the world — they want to belong to it,” said Niall Charles, Chief Operating Officer at Mad Monkey Hostels. “Everything we create is built around that idea. Our spaces, our events, our partnerships, it’s all designed to help travelers connect with the places they visit and the people they meet.” Each Mad Monkey property brings its own flavor, but the ethos stays the same: shared spaces, open energy, and curated events that make meeting people effortless. Morning yoga, island-hopping tours, Khmer cooking classes, sunset rooftops, live music nights, and hostel-wide games bring travelers together in ways that feel natural and unfiltered. This social-first approach taps directly into Gen Z’s shifting travel values. They’re less interested in polished luxury and more drawn to experiences that feel authentic, human, and culturally grounded. Mad Monkey meets that demand with a mix of adventure, local partnerships, and laid-back chaos that captures the magic of being young, curious, and on the road. Beyond the social vibe, today’s travelers also care deeply about impact, and Mad Monkey weaves that into everyday operations. Across all properties, the brand runs sustainability-minded initiatives, community partnerships, and guest-led efforts to give back. Whether it’s supporting local suppliers, hosting coastal clean-ups, fundraising events, or collaborating with grassroots organizations, the focus remains the same: leave every destination better than you found it. These efforts aren’t marketed as grand campaigns. They’re woven into how the team works, lives, and connects with local communities. That authenticity resonates deeply with Gen Z, who want to have fun but also want their choices to reflect what they care about. Mad Monkey creates a space where both can happen at the same time. The rise of social hostels signals a broader industry shift: travel is no longer about consuming a destination; it’s about connecting with it. Young travelers aren’t chasing luxury, they’re chasing a sense of belonging. They want to meet people, dive deeper, create memories, and walk away with stories they’ll tell for years. With its ongoing expansion across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mad Monkey is at the front of this movement, shaping the future of modern tourism and proving that travel can be wild, meaningful, and community-driven all at once. 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.
Nov
Mad Monkey Rolls Out ‘Ask for Angela’ to Boost Safety for Solo Travelers
It’s a simple code with a powerful purpose: ensuring everyone can have fun and feel safe while traveling. “Backpacking is all about meeting people and creating memories — but that should never come at the cost of feeling unsafe,” said Alex Baker, Global Operations Manager at Mad Monkey Hostels. “Ask for Angela gives our guests the confidence to enjoy the community vibe that Mad Monkey is known for, knowing support is always there if they need it.” The rollout is part of Mad Monkey’s Solo But Never Alone campaign — a long-term initiative focused on empowering solo travelers, especially women, through safety programs, community-driven events, and staff training. The campaign also includes safety-focused signage, awareness drives, and a commitment to expanding safety practices beyond bar areas — into dorms, social spaces, and tours. Visible Ask for Angela posters are now displayed throughout all Mad Monkey properties, reminding guests that help is just one question away. Every team member, from reception to bar staff, has undergone training to recognize and respond with care and discretion. Mad Monkey has always been about connection,” added Baker. “The Ask for Angela program helps us make sure those connections happen in a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and safe.” The introduction of Ask for Angela underscores Mad Monkey’s commitment to creating spaces built on connection, respect, and care — all while keeping the fun, social energy the brand is known for. For more information on Ask for Angela, visit: https://madmonkeyhostels.com/ask-for-angela-safety-for-solo-travelers/ 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.