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Travel tips for while you’re backpacking Southeast Asia and Australia, or some travel inspiration if you’re sat at a desk wishing you were here. Written by backpackers living or traveling around this side of the world. We’ve got travel advice for Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
AA BBQ If you’re in the mood for some straight-up Filipino barbecue, AA BBQ is the place to be. We’re talking juicy grilled pork belly, crispy chicken, and a spread of seafood dishes that hit the spot every time. Other dishes that you must try are Sinigang na Baboy and Kare-Kare. Casual vibes, affordable prices, and killer food? Check check check! Location: Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City | MAPContact: (032) 238 2185 | WebsiteOpening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Pusô Bistro & Bar Need something a bit more refined without losing the chill vibe? Puso Bistro & Bar inside Quest Hotel has your back. The buffet’s stacked with Filipino and international dishes – crispy pata, pancit canton, and some solid pasta options. It’s one of those places where you can eat like royalty without breaking the bank. Location: Quest Hotel, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City | MAPContact: +63 998 961 5720 | FacebookOpening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Vikings Luxury Buffet Feeling indecisive? Just hit up Vikings and eat everything. Seriously. It’s got sushi, roasted meats, pasta, desserts – you name it. It’s basically a food coma waiting to happen, and it’s totally worth it. Plus, the vibe is lively and perfect for groups. Just bring your stretchy pants. Location: 2nd Level, North Wing, SM City Cebu | MAPContact: +63 917 576 9888 | FacebookOpening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant Want to eat Filipino food with a side of epic views? Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant has you covered. You’re literally eating on a floating platform while chowing down on grilled seafood, crispy pata, and kinilaw. Plus, sunsets here? Next level. It’s definitely one of the coolest spots to hit when figuring out where to eat in Cebu. Location: Day-as, Cordova, Cebu | MAPContact: +63 919 568 2377 | FacebookOpening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM I Love Bucket Shrimps This spot is exactly what it sounds like – buckets of shrimp and zero pretension. Just dig in with your hands, mix up your sauces, and make a mess. Casual, fun, and it’s exactly what you need after a long day of exploring. Location: Mactan Wharf, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu | MAPContact: +63 953 228 6688 | FacebookOpening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tales and Feelings Want a cozy spot with good food and even better drinks? Tales and Feelings is the place you’re looking for. Low-key charm, with truffle pasta and steaks that hit just right. This is where to eat in Cebu for a chill night with friends or a casual date. Location: 2nd floor, small staircase above Ho Nhogiong, Diaz Building, F. Ramos St, V. Ranudo St, Cebu City | MAPContact: +63 995 895 5429 | FacebookOpening Hours: Anzani New Mediterranean Restaurant Feeling a bit fancy? Anzani’s where it’s at. Think Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist – wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and grilled meats that are cooked to perfection. Bonus: the pretty view! Wondering where to eat in Cebu for a perfect date night or just treating yourself? This is it! Location: Lahug Nivel Hills, Cebu City | MAPContact: +63 32 232 7375 | InstagramOpening Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM La Vie Parisienne If you want to feel like you’re eating in a Parisian garden without leaving Cebu, this is the spot. Wines, pastries, and bread that taste like they just came out of a French bakery. And the ambiance? On point! Think string lights, garden vibes, and the smell of fresh-baked croissants in the air. Location: 371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City…
Group Trips: All Planned, No Surprises Group trips offer a set itinerary, with accommodation and transport sorted out for you. You follow a schedule, see the main sights, and move along with the group. It’s straightforward, but it comes with limits. Pros of Group Trips Stress-Free Planning Everything’s pre-arranged. How to get from A to B won’t be a worry for you. The tour company handles it. Good for New Travelers First time backpacking? A group trip can be less intimidating. With everything taken care of, you’ll have a guide and a built-in group of travelers to hang with. Instant Friends Making friends is a breeze! You’ll be with the same group throughout the entire trip, sharing experiences from start to finish. Cons of Group Trips Stuck to a Schedule You don’t have much say in the itinerary. Early mornings, set time limits, and no flexibility if you want to stay longer somewhere awesome. Tourist Traps Group trips often focus on popular spots, which can mean missing out on the more authentic, local experiences that independent travel allows. More Expensive All-inclusive tours come with a price tag. You’ll pay upfront for convenience, and there’s usually little wiggle room to control your spending. Mad Pass: Total Freedom, Your Way With the Mad Pass, you’re in control. Unlimited stays at Mad Monkey Hostels for 30, 60, or 90 days. No fixed schedules, no rushing, just your own adventure, on your own terms. Imagine having one pass with unlimited access to Mad Monkey Hostels in six countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pros of the Mad Pass Full Flexibility There’s no set route. Want to spend a week in Gili T or a quick getaway in Hanoi? You have full control. Move as fast or as slow as you want. Unlimited Stays Stay at any Mad Monkey Hostel across Southeast Asia. One payment, no worries about booking new places. Just show up. Meet New People Everywhere Mad Monkey Hostels are social hubs. Every new location means fresh faces, new friends, and epic hostel events like pub crawls and pool parties. Budget-Friendly The Mad Pass saves you cash. Pay once and your accommodation is covered for up to 90 days. That leaves more budget for street food, adventures, and fun. Real Local Experiences Because you’re not locked into a set plan, you can explore beyond the tourist trail. Follow local tips from fellow travelers and hostel staff, and dive into the culture. Cons of the Mad Pass No Fixed Routine Some people thrive on structure, and the Mad Pass doesn’t come with a daily plan. If you prefer having a strict itinerary with everything mapped out, the freedom of the Mad Pass might feel a little overwhelming at first. So, What’s the Verdict? If you want someone else to plan your trip and like the idea of traveling with the same group, a group tour might work for you. But if you want total freedom, flexibility, and the chance to meet new people everywhere you go, the Mad Pass is hands down the better option. With unlimited stays, the freedom to travel at your own pace, and a budget that works for real backpackers, the Mad Pass offers the adventure you’re really looking for. When it comes to group trips vs Mad Pass, there’s no contest—grab a Mad Pass and start your ultimate Southeast Asia adventure. Need planning tips? Check out our itinerary blogs to make your Southeast Asia adventure planning a breeze. Itinerary in Cambodia for 30 Days: Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 30 Days Itinerary in Thailand: The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers 60 Days Itinerary in…
World Ocean Day, celebrated every June 8th, is a global event that unites people in protecting and preserving our beautiful oceans. As backpackers, we often get the chance to explore the world’s most stunning coastlines and pristine beaches. But with great adventure comes great responsibility. This World Ocean Day, let’s dive into sustainable travel practices and discover how Mad Monkey Hostels are making a splash with their weekly beach clean-up activities. Sustainable Travel: Why It Matters Traveling sustainably is about making choices that benefit the environment, local communities, and future travelers. It’s about leaving the places we visit better than we found them. When we backpack across coastal regions, our actions can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems. Here’s how you can contribute to the cause: Tips for Sustainable Travel Reduce your carbon footprint by packing only what you need. Lightweight backpacks mean lighter loads for transportation, which translates to lower emissions. Opt for biodegradable toiletries, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags. This minimizes plastic waste that often ends up in the oceans. Whenever possible, use public transport, cycle, or walk. These options are not only eco-friendly but also provide a richer travel experience. Eat, shop, and stay local. Supporting local businesses helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported goods and contributes to the local economy. Mad Monkey Hostels are a great example of eco-conscious accommodations. They implement sustainable practices such as reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. Beach Clean-Up: A Hands-On Approach to Conservation One of the most direct ways backpackers can contribute to marine conservation is by participating in beach clean-ups. These activities help remove harmful debris from coastal areas, protect marine life, and raise awareness about ocean pollution. Weekly beach clean-up at Long Set Beach. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Koh Rong. Mad Monkey’s Weekly Beach Clean-Ups Mad Monkey Hostels are not just about providing a place to stay—they’re about creating a community that cares for the environment. Every week, Mad Monkey organizes beach clean-up activities at various beach locations. Here’s why you should join: Each piece of trash you pick up is one less hazard for marine life. Beach clean-ups have immediate, tangible results that contribute to healthier oceans. These events are a fantastic way to meet fellow backpackers who share your passion for sustainability and marine conservation. Who knows, you might find a new travel buddy! Beach clean-ups often include educational sessions about the impact of pollution and how to reduce it. This knowledge is invaluable and can be shared with others to amplify the impact. Spending time on the beach, doing something positive, and enjoying the natural beauty is a rewarding experience. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and activism. Swimming with a turtle from a safe distance in Apo Island. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Dumaguete. Marine Conservation Tips and Etiquette Being a sustainable traveler means respecting the places you visit. When it comes to marine conservation, here are some tips and etiquette to keep in mind: Observe marine animals from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing them. Remember, we are guests in their home. Plastics are a major pollutant in our oceans. Reduce your use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable alternatives. Whatever you bring to the beach, take it back with you. This simple rule ensures that you leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Share your knowledge about marine conservation with fellow travelers. The more people are aware, the bigger the impact we can make. Join local initiatives like those organized by Mad Monkey Hostels. Your…
