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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.
From Marathons to Ironmans, there is no stopping us at Mad Monkey! Next on our agenda is the formidable Ironman 70.3 in Cebu, where Mad Monkey’s co-founders, Alex Darroch and Tom Edwards, are pushing their limits not just for athletic glory but for a heartfelt cause: supporting The Rabbit School in Cambodia. This school provides crucial education to over 670 children with intellectual disabilities, empowering them with brighter futures. The Rabbit School, Phnom Penh Over a decade ago, we started our journey with The Rabbit School by providing employment opportunities for their students in Phnom Penh, and we’ve been awed by their dedication and progress despite numerous challenges. Now, as Alex and Tom face the grueling Ironman challenge, they’re driven by a mission to raise $2,000 to help these incredible kids. The power of a community As we support our co-founders on their journey from the marathon tracks in Sihanoukville to the triathlon course in Cebu, we’re reminded of the power of community and the importance of our mission. Every stride and stroke brings us closer to supporting the dreams of children who face extraordinary challenges every day. Your support can light up their path toward education and integration, creating waves of change that reverberate throughout their lives and our community. Can you help us reach our goal? Join us in this meaningful endeavour. Every contribution, big or small, can make a significant impact. Let’s support these children together and show the world the power of community and commitment in action. Donate here and help us change lives for the better!
1. Dalaguete Beach Park This beach is known to be one of the places locals would recommend to tourists. Dalaguete Beach Park can be found in South Cebu. Since it is owned and managed by the local government, its cool blue waters are open for the public to enjoy at a very minimal fee. The entrance fee to the beach only costs around $0.50 for adults and $0.25 for children. For a little over $5, bigger groups can rent a beach hut or cottage—plus free use of the karaoke machine! Picnic tables, on the other hand, can be rented for just $3. To sum it all up, the estimated day trip budget you need to set aside for Dalaguete Beach Park is $20, including transportation. Cebu is well-endowed with breathtaking beaches, which is why it does not come as a surprise to find a beautiful beach such as this very accessible from the city. 2.Basdaku White Beach and Panagsama Beach, Moalboal These two beaches sit right next to each other at Moalboal. With its name directly translating to “big sand,” Basdaku White Beach is known for its wide expanse of fine sand. Here, tourists swim in crystal clear waters, taking in all the peace and quiet they can get. The entrance fee costs less than US$1, and campers are free to pitch their tents without having to pay. Apart from swimming and camping, other recreational activities can be enjoyed. Kayaks, diving and snorkeling gear, and even kite-surfing equipment are available for rent in the area. When the sun comes down, head over to Panagsama Beach side where the nightlife is kicking. Mingle with fellow travelers and locals at a bar, or go food-tripping with your friends. Moalboal is definitely a place with loads of fun to cover your day—and you hardly even need to spend! 3. Lambug Beach, Badian Lambug Beach, a must-see for visiting tourists, can be found in the southern part of Cebu in a town called Badian. The beach is known to be a great spot away from the crowds. Part of its charm comes from its natural and untouched condition. If its clear waters and fine sand aren’t enough to draw you in, then maybe it being entrance fee free will. That’s right! You can lay on the sand or take a dip, free-of-charge. Best of all, getting there won’t cost you more than $10 from the airport. Cottage rentals are at $10 while camping fees range from $1-$3. If you’ve had enough swimming, there’s much more to do near the beach. Other famed attractions can be found in the area. Wash off that seawater at Kawasan Falls, or go crab hunting for your next meal at the mangroves. If you’ve had enough of the water, trek up Osmeña Peak for a complete view of Cebu’s south-western coastline. At the end of every adventure is a tourist waiting to be fed. So why not drag your appetite to Badian’s local market and restaurants to try some local delicacies. Badian has so much to offer, and Lambug Beach is just the beginning. See what else you can find in town through this link. 4. Hermit’s Cove, Aloguinsan Townsfolk claim that the cove used to be the territory of an old wandering hermit. Thick greenery enshrouds the area just before the beach, gracing it with such mysterious beauty. Hermit’s Cove can be found in the town of Aloguinsan—a place also known as the “Ecotourism Capital of Cebu”. The beach is a one kilometer-long stretch of white sand with sparkling…
A Heartfelt Giving Tuesday on Gili Trawangan Our journey began on the idyllic shores of Gili Trawangan with a Giving Tuesday campaign that warmed hearts and sparked smiles. Banding together with the Chili Community House, we rallied our vibrant community and generous donors to raise a whopping $487.74. These funds are set to empower local initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to the places we call home and showcasing the power of collective action. It’s all about lending a hand where it’s needed most, and thanks to your support, we’re making real waves in Gili Trawangan. Spreading Festive Cheer in Siquijor The spirit of the season took a tropical twist at Mad Monkey Siquijor with a Christmas Community Lunch that was nothing short of magical. Imagine the laughter of children from the surrounding barangay as they joined us for a feast of festive delights, fun games, and generous giveaways. It was a day that reminded us all about the true spirit of the holidays – giving back, engaging with our communities, and creating unforgettable moments of joy. Cebu City’s Christmas Connection Over in the heart of Cebu City, our Christmas Community Lunch turned into a vibrant celebration of community spirit. Children from the nearby barangay of Lorea-San Miguel were treated to a day filled with delicious food, exciting games, and heartwarming giveaways. The laughter and joy that filled the air were a testament to the joy of giving and the deep connections we’re forging in our local communities. Supporting Young Minds in Siargao Mad Monkey Siargao’s visit to the Nature Kids of Siargao’s Kids Club was a highlight that touched our hearts deeply. Donating school supplies, art materials, and snacks, we saw the bright smiles of the amazing kids light up, a reminder of the impact we can make. It’s these moments that reinforce our commitment to supporting education and fostering creativity, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for these incredible young minds. Join the Journey As we reflect on these stories, we’re reminded of the strength of our community and the positive impact we can create together. Every laugh shared, every child’s smile, and every helping hand extended to write the chapters of our ongoing story at Mad Monkey Hostels. We’re more than just a place to stay; we’re a movement towards a better, more connected world. And you’re a vital part of that journey. So, here’s to more adventures, more impactful initiatives, and more unforgettable memories. Together, let’s make a difference, one heartwarming story at a time. Pin now, read later
