Mad Monkey in the news
Oct
Mad Monkey Standing 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 of this week 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 Supporting 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 of this week 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 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…
Jul
Mad Monkey Earns Level 1 Sustainability Badge from Hostelworld
Exciting news for all you eco-conscious travelers! Mad Monkey Hostels has just been awarded the prestigious Level 1 Sustainability Badge by Hostelworld. This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to sustainable travel and environmental stewardship, setting a new standard for hostels around the globe. What is the Level 1 Sustainability Badge? The Level 1 Sustainability Badge is the first step in Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability program. This certification recognizes hostels that have implemented fundamental sustainable practices. It covers crucial areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, and community involvement. Achieving this badge means Mad Monkey Hostels has demonstrated a strong foundation in promoting sustainable travel. Why It Matters Sustainable travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. By earning the Level 1 Sustainability Badge, Mad Monkey Hostels is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also providing travelers with eco-friendly accommodations. This ensures that every guest’s stay is not just enjoyable but also kind to our planet. Our Green Initiatives At Mad Monkey Hostels, we believe in making a positive impact. Here’s how we’re doing it: Mad Monkey Hanoi’s Blood Donation Drive. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey. Why Stay With Us? When you choose Mad Monkey Hostels, you’re not just booking a place to stay; you’re joining a movement towards more responsible and sustainable travel. Our Level 1 Sustainability Badge means you can rest easy knowing that your accommodation is doing its part to protect the environment. Weekly beach clean-up at Mad Monkey Gili T. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey. Join the Movement We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, but our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re committed to continuous improvement and are already working towards the next level of the staircase to sustainability. So, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or planning your first adventure, consider Mad Monkey Hostels for a sustainable travel experience that makes a difference. Let’s explore the world responsibly, together.
Jul
Mad Monkey Opening in Manila, Philippines!
Get ready to unlock the best of the Philippines at Mad Monkey Manila, your gateway to adventure where iconic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary delights are all at your fingertips. Brace yourselves for the thrill of a lifetime as Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable travel experiences, proudly unveils its latest gem in Poblacion Makati, Philippines. This exciting addition marks our seventh location in the Philippines, and the excitement is next level! How to reach us at Mad Monkey Manila With the airport just 18 minutes away, you can fly to your dream destination, or explore by land with various terminals conveniently located nearby. Whether you crave the sun-kissed beaches of Cebu, the epic surf of Siargao, or a serene retreat to Nacpan, Panglao, Dumaguete, or mystical Siquijor—all are within easy reach! Manila is where the past meets the present, with epic colonial architecture & historical sites meet modern skyscrapers. Situated in the heart of Poblacion Makati, our brand-new hostel is set to redefine your Manila experience. Surrounded by lively bars, diverse restaurants, extensive shopping malls, and cultural hotspots, you’ll truly experience the city’s atmosphere that will energize your soul! What awaits you at Mad Monkey Manila Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, our hostel offers a range of accommodations to fit every need: from Standard 4 Bed Dorms and Female Dorms to 6-bed, 8-bed, and 14-bed dorms, as well as Standard Queen & Twin Private Rooms. It’s the ideal base for discovering Manila and beyond. It’s the perfect place to kick back, unwind, recharge and connect with fellow travelers who could become your lifelong friends. Work or Unwind at Our Rooftop Bar with Stunning Metro Views! Thirsty or just wanna chill? Head up to our rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic metro views that are pure Instagram gold. Our menu? A mix of local Filipino faves and international classics that’ll make your taste buds dance. Need to work? Grab a coffee and crush your goals. Ready to relax? Our 24-hour café has got your back, whether you’re fueling up or unwinding with a nightcap. Plus, dance the night away with Manila’s renowned DJs providing the soundtrack and perfect mood for epic nights you won’t want to end. Our vibrant, centrally located social hostel is the ultimate spot for backpackers, solo travelers, and digital nomads seeking adventure both on land and at sea. Mad Monkey’s comfortable rooms, diverse menu offerings and specialty cocktails, combined with the lively beats from Manila’s famous DJs create an unparalleled experience, making it the perfect place to connect with fellow travelers and build lasting connections. Mad Monkey Manila is Opening June 28, 2024 June 28, 2024, is the big date! Mad Monkey is looking forward to welcoming young travelers, digital nomads, local guests, and international tourists to its new location with the same brand of hospitality, culture, and the nightly events Mad Monkey is known for. Ready for adventure? Plan your trip now! For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/manila. Join us in Manila for unforgettable adventures – we can’t wait to see you there! Unlimited Stays? There are No Limits, Just Freedom! Hop between islands like a pro with Philippines MADPASS! Find more information about the Philippines Madpass here.