Grab your MadPass now—unlimited stays across Southeast Asia for 90 days!
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.
Why Koh Sdach is Your Next Big Adventure Nestled between Cambodia’s mainland and larger tourist hubs, Koh Sdach is like that cool underground band your friend told you about—wild, underrated, and full of surprises. Made up of 12 islands, this spot boasts high water quality and untouched marine ecosystems thanks to its remote location. For backpackers and adventurous travelers, Koh Sdach’s marine scene is a kaleidoscope of color. From curious reef fish and sea turtles to shimmering soft corals, this is an underwater paradise still flying under the radar. Dive In: What You’ll See Under the Waves Neon Fish, Secret Sea Turtles, and More Koh Sdach is a haven for marine biodiversity. Expect to have a close encounter with vibrant parrotfish, butterflyfish, and schools of snapper cruising over coral beds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle casually gliding by. Diving deeper? Keep your eyes peeled for giant clams nestled among the rocks and maybe even a majestic seahorse—a flagship species of this area. The Coral Story: Nature’s Glow-Up The reefs around Koh Sdach are alive and thriving, but there’s an exciting plot twist: coral sporification. Picture this: corals releasing millions of tiny spores under the moonlit sea, glowing like underwater fireworks. This rare, synchronized event is nature’s ultimate flex—essential for reef survival and a sight so mesmerizing, it’s like swimming through a living galaxy. Coral restoration efforts are also underway, with plans to build coral nurseries that help restore damaged reefs. Visitors can even participate in coral planting projects—imagine returning home with the ultimate flex: “Yeah, I planted a coral reef in Cambodia.” Snorkeling vs. Scuba: Choose Your Underwater Weapon And for the eco-conscious adventurers? The reefs here are part of Cambodia’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), ensuring this underwater Eden stays pristine. Cool Coral Fact: Microfragmentation Marvel What happens when coral meets science? Enter microfragmentation—a technique that breaks coral into tiny pieces to turbocharge its growth. Normally, coral reefs grow at a painfully slow pace, but with this method, growth rates can skyrocket 25-50 times faster. It’s like coral on espresso, helping restoration efforts rebuild reefs in years instead of decades. The Koh Sdach Vibe: Post-Dive Chilling Once you’ve hung up your fins, life on Koh Sdach is slow, simple, and stunning. Think beach bonfires, local seafood barbecues, and hammocks swaying under palm trees. It’s a place where you can ditch the Wi-Fi, connect with fellow travelers, and swap stories about your epic underwater finds. Get There Before Everyone Else Does Unlike Thailand’s crowded Koh Tao or the Philippines’ Palawan, Koh Sdach is still blissfully off the beaten path. With Mad Monkey opening its new hub here, now’s your chance to be part of the story—to dive, explore, and protect this underwater paradise. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mask, pack your GoPro, and let Koh Sdach steal your heart—one dive at a time. Pin Now. Read Later.
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…
