Press Releases
Jan
Mad Monkey Launches Global eSIM to Solve Traveler Connectivity
While Mad Monkey properties are known for providing high-speed, complimentary WiFi, the journey between hostels often leaves travelers in a digital dead zone. From landing at an unfamiliar airport to navigating long-haul bus routes across borders, the lack of reliable data can turn a simple trip into a stressful experience. The Mad Monkey eSIM addresses this by offering high-speed data that works the moment a traveler enters a new country, bypassing the need for unreliable airport WiFi or the hunt for physical local SIM cards. In a significant shift toward a more integrated guest experience, Mad Monkey has embedded the eSIM purchase directly into its reservation ecosystem. Travelers can now secure their data connection as a simple add-on at the checkout page while booking their room. This “one-click” approach ensures that connectivity is sorted well before the traveler departs. “Our goal is to make travel as seamless and stress-free as possible,” says Kyle Kenny, Commercial Director at Mad Monkey. “We know the struggle of landing in a new country, sweating at the luggage carousel, and feeling immediately disconnected because your maps won’t load. By integrating Celitech’s technology, our guests are now connected before they even step off the plane, giving them instant access to transport apps, emergency contacts, and maps.” The Mad Monkey eSIM is priced aggressively for the budget-conscious backpacker, starting at just $5 USD for 1GB of data. Unlike traditional roaming plans or local SIMs that are locked to a single country, this eSIM is globally compatible. A single digital installation allows travelers to roam across all Mad Monkey locations in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as over 190 other countries. Key Technical and Community Benefits: The partnership with Celitech, a leader in programmable wireless connectivity, ensures that Mad Monkey guests have access to the most reliable networks at local rates. The Mad Monkey eSIM is available for immediate purchase at madmonkeyhostels.com/esim and is now live as an add-on feature for all new hostel bookings. 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. About Celitech Celitech is the world’s first fully programmable eSIM platform, offering global cellular data through a proprietary API. Named “Overall Wireless Broadband Solution of the Year,” Celitech provides travel brands with a seamless way to offer premium international data to their customers, keeping them connected in over 190 countries.
Jan
Mad Monkey Elevates Global Backpacker Culture Through Strategic Investment from Best Nights VC
With properties spanning seven countries—including the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Australia—Mad Monkey has become a global benchmark for hospitality that blends high-energy social experiences with social impact. Each year, the group welcomes hundreds of thousands of young travelers, facilitating over one million #BestNights through a commitment to community, inclusivity, and “open doors for open minds.” Niall Charles, COO of Mad Monkey, sees the partnership as a perfect alignment of two brands dedicated to the art of celebration. “The synergy between Mad Monkey and Jägermeister goes straight to the heart of what we do,” says Charles. “Jägermeister is an iconic symbol of the world’s best nights, and at Mad Monkey, we provide the stage where those memories are made. This collaboration allows us to scale our experience-driven model into new markets and elevate global backpacker culture, ensuring that every guest leaves with a lifelong sense of belonging and adventure.” The investment from BNVC is a cornerstone of the firm’s “Emerging Markets Strategy,” identifying Mad Monkey as a premier platform for fostering authentic human connections in the travel space. By joining forces, both brands aim to co-create a new standard for nightlife and social interaction within the hospitality industry. For the team at Best Nights VC and Mast-Jägermeister SE, the partnership represents a shared belief that the most impactful social moments often happen far from home. “For us at BNVC and Mast-Jägermeister SE, this partnership is a natural fit. Best Nights don’t only happen at home; they happen while traveling, meeting new people, and sharing unique experiences while experiencing different cultures. Mad Monkey embodies what Best Nights VC was built to support: safe, inclusive, high-energy environments where people connect, celebrate, and discover.” Looking forward, Mad Monkey plans to utilize this partnership to accelerate its expansion into new territories and further enhance its event-driven programming. From today, the two companies will collaborate to deliver more meaningful travel experiences and a stronger global community, one #BestNight at a time. 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
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.