Press Releases
Dec
Mad Monkey Hostels Adds New Property to their Philippines Portfolio
Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines: Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable travel experiences is set to open a brand-new hostel on the famous Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines. This will be the fourth property to operate in the Philippines under the brand’s portfolio. The opening is set to happen less than two weeks before Christmas 2022. Mad Monkey Panglao is looking forward to welcoming old and new guests to its new location with the same Mad Monkey brand of hospitality and the nightly events it became famous for across the country and region. Balicasag Island in Panglao, Bohol. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. The island paradise of Panglao is popular for its white sand beaches and world-class diving sites. Guests will enjoy various activities such as diving, island hopping, and exploring Bohol’s natural wonders and attractions such as the Chocolate Hills and the sanctuary of the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. Quad-bike adventure in Chocolate Hills, Bohol. Photo courtesy of Maan Samontanez, Mad Monkey Hostels. Mad Monkey Panglao will offer various accommodation options, including an all-female dorm, standard dorms, and private rooms. The Fil-Hispanic-themed hostel pays homage to Bohol’s rich culture and features different social spaces such as a bar & restaurant, an outdoor pool area and garden, a coworking space, and the Xbox Kinect corner. The famous hostel brand is known for unparalleled experiences for young travelers and digital nomads through various activities, and Mad Monkey Panglao will be no exception. These enriching experiences allow one to experience the best of what the surfing capital has to offer, with an added touch of world-renowned Filipino hospitality and culture. Through these shared encounters, Mad Monkey guests are able to build and foster communities, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Mad Monkey Hostel Panglao is set to open by December 15, 2022. For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/panglao.
Oct
Mad Monkey Expands Operations Into Vietnam, Launching its First Location in the Iconic Historical City of Hoi An
Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based provider of hostel accommodation and travel experiences, is proud to announce the expansion of their current operations into Vietnam. This move represents a major milestone on their journey of being the biggest provider of immersive, socially responsible, and fun experiences for young travellers and digital nomads, and aligns with Mad Monkey’s ambitious expansion plan. Mad Monkey Hoi An is set to be the first of many locations planned for the country and with space to comfortably accommodate up to 230 travellers, it will be the biggest Mad Monkey location to date and offer the biggest experience-based accommodation in the area. Vietnam, October 2022 – Mad Monkey team announced a major move towards their goal of substantially growing its portfolio of locations and strengthening their position as the regional leader in the experience hospitality sector. This expansion plan will see Mad Monkey create immersive cultural experiences for young travellers to Vietnam, helping them discover vibrant towns and cities, beautiful beaches and many other scenic destinations across the country, all whilst providing environments that are fun, and environmentally and socially responsible. As Vietnam continues to show signs of recovery, particularly in the tourism sector, and reopens its borders to more and more visitors from around the world. The timing for this entrance into the market could not be better. Visitor numbers are expected to increase significantly over the coming months and with the demand for quality hostel accommodation growing, Mad Monkey aims to help serve the crowds of young travellers hungry for amazing adventures. With plans to open 3 locations in Vietnam before the end of the year, and continue this rate of expansion into 2023, Mad Monkey is set to become the go-to travel experience company within the country. Young adventure seekers and digital nomads will enjoy the signature Mad Monkey vibe while making friends for life and, most importantly, have a positive impact on communities in Vietnam. Mad Monkey’s business is anchored on strong values, with social and environmental responsibility at its core. They delivered 10 years’ worth of impactful community projects across Southeast Asia that range from clean water initiatives to education projects, believing that truly life-altering experiences for its guests happen at the intersection of quality accommodation, fun, and strong societal and environmental impact. This will continue to be at the forefront of business operations in Vietnam. Mad Monkey will open their first Vietnamese hostel in the quaint and historic town of Hoi An. The team is taking over an existing property on Cua Dai street, which was previously a popular and well known backpacker hub operated by the incredible Vietnam Backpacker hostels. The property will have the capacity to host up to 230 guests in 55 rooms offering both, hostel-style dormitory accommodation as well as beautiful private rooms. The hostel is equipped with a stunning pool, countless open and airy common spaces, a deck area overlooking lush rice paddies, and a large alfresco style bar and restaurant. Mad Monkey hostel in Hoi An. Photo courtesy of Jason Kane, VBH Located between the UNESCO ancient town and some of Vietnam’s most incredible beaches, this hostel comfortably delivers the iconic Mad Monkey vibe and will be the perfect spot for unforgettable events. “We’re beyond excited to continue building our footprint in the region and to open our first hostel in Vietnam. Vietnam is such an exciting country for young travellers and we’re eager to cater to their demands for experiences combining unique tours, events that connect, moments that build memories and second to none accommodation. The hostel delivers hotel-quality accommodation and the very…
Oct
Mad Monkey Hostels Launch the Mad Monkey Experience App & Loyalty Program
Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable travel experiences, has launched the Mad Monkey Experience App and Loyalty Program. The app is already available to both iOS and Android users in their respective app stores. The launch of the app and the loyalty program is another milestone in Mad Monkey’s digitalization journey and a testament to the company’s singular focus on impeccable guest and user experiences, ensuring young travelers can now make affordable, easy bookings on the app, collect points and get rewarded for their loyalty. The app will further enhance the holistic, culturally immersive experience for travelers and will ensure they can seamlessly book their travel between Mad Monkey hostels, while better connecting with the brand online. Guests will be earning points for each booking, when booking an experience in a new country or staying at all Mad Monkeys in a certain region. All app users will benefit from guaranteed lowest rates while loyal members who collected points will benefit from additional discounts and other mad perks that will further enhance their experience and stay. “Mad Monkey is committed to providing guests with an innovative and seamless travel experience; this new platform is just one way to achieve that goal. Aside from the best available rates and a madly rewarding loyalty program, more features are set to be released following the app’s launch. We’re excited for this release and everything else this program will bring to our guests in the future.” Steve Vaile, Chairman of Mad Monkey explains. Currently, Mad Monkey operates hostels in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Koh Rong Samloem in Cambodia, Cebu City, Siargao, and Nacpan Beach in the Philippines, Bangkok in Thailand, and Kuta Lombok and Gili Trawangan in Indonesia. In these locations, Mad Monkey tours and events are back in full swing, so guests can enjoy a full schedule of activities and connect easily with young-minded travelers. Other properties in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, Panglao, Bohol and Dumaguete in the Philippines are also set to open towards the end of 2022.
Sep
Mad Monkey Hostel Set to Reopen in One of the Philippines’ Top-rated Beaches
El Nido, Philippines: Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable travel experiences is set to reopen its hostel in the highly-rated Nacpan Beach in El Nido. This will be the ninth reopening in the company’s post-pandemic sweeping growth trajectory, following the reopening of Mad Monkey Siargao and Mad Monkey Bangkok. Unspoiled beaches and turquoise waters of El Nido. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach originally opened its doors back in October 2017, and with its reopening set to happen in two weeks, the hostel is looking forward to welcoming back both old and new guests, with the same Mad Monkey brand of hospitality and the nightly events they are famous for across the country and region. The hostel will offer various accommodation options– from private loft rooms to shared and private dorm rooms. The property will also feature dedicated coworking space, and a beachfront bar and restaurant. The popular hostel brand is known for hosting parties and escapades for young travelers such as island hopping, paraw sailing, as well as hostel activities like beach beer cricket, beach volleyball and football, and frisbee. These enriching experiences will allow one to experience the best of laid-back island living and the thrilling adventures Nacpan has to offer. Through these social activities, Mad Monkey guests are able to build and foster communities, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach’s Tour M. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Aside from the trademark Mad Monkey experience, the hostel is also proud of supporting local community projects that help elevate and uplift the status of the communities where they are present. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach is proud to have been involved in building and painting a wall around the local primary school to keep students safe. The hostel is also a regular donor to the feeding program for malnourished kids in Nacpan Beach and is working to deliver clean water projects using deep bore wells to ensure that local families and children have access to clean and potable water. Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach – Sustainable Nutrition Program. Photo courtesy of Mad Monkey Hostels. Back in 2018, Mad Monkey Nacpan’s grand opening party was able to generate enough money for computers, a printer, and 70 science books for the local primary school, while the donation to the school back in the Christmas of 2017 ensured that each of its 300 students received 2kg of rice along with either a backpack, a coloring book, or a school kit to support them in their education. Beyond these initiatives, Mad Monkey also spearheads projects that help protect the environment. The hostel runs regular beach clean-ups to remove plastics and other litter from the beach, while we also help to protect the sea turtle nests on our beach and coordinate with the local turtle sanctuary to ensure that these magnificent creatures have a safe place to hatch. The reopening coincides with the launch of the Mad Monkey XP – Mad Monkey’s app that will enable travelers to seamlessly manage their bookings, events, and activities and be rewarded for their loyalty. Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach is set to reopen on September 15, 2022. For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/nacpan.
Aug
Mad Monkey Hostels launch Cambodia Mad Pass
Phnom Penh, August 11, 2022 – Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable, travel experiences, has launched Cambodia Mad Pass, a flexible 14 and 30-day accommodation passes that offer young travelers unlimited access to all Mad Monkey hostels in Cambodia for a one-time, affordable fixed fee. Travelers can purchase the tickets now through Mad Monkey’s website and use them anytime by the end of 2023. Cambodia Mad Pass has been launched on the back of the Mad Monkey Golden Tickets program, an initiative launched in 2021 amidst the pandemic, providing the region’s first flexible, subscription-like travel plan. Golden Tickets have been well received among young travelers and digital nomads keen to travel post-pandemic but unsure of when that will be a real possibility, therefore, appreciate both the flexibility and the affordability of the travel passes. This time around, Mad Monkey wants to highlight Cambodia, a country with extremely low numbers of Covid cases that has fully open borders, a simple visa-on-arrival process, and efficient infrastructure for young adventurers to enjoy. 14 and 30-day passes are available, costing $99 and $149 respectively. With the Cambodia Mad Pass in their pockets, guests can book any dorm in any Mad Monkey hostel in Cambodia or enjoy a 50% discount on all private rooms. A recent study found that 70% of young people dream of traveling post-pandemic. But there are a lot of factors that hinder this dream from becoming a reality, such as the high cost of plane tickets, accommodations, transportation, and the ever-changing travel restrictions. Initiatives like Mad Pass are therefore a great answer to adventure-hungry budget travelers, who want to maximize their budget and minimize risk. With a fast-increasing living cost in Europe, affordable and flexible travel solutions are a way to go for your travelers and the Mad Monkey team is proud to be able to efficiently accommodate this ever-growing sector. With more and more young digitally-savvy youngsters working remotely, these types of long-term flexible solutions are a must. The Mad Monkey team is ensuring hostels, facilities, and offers are optimized to cater to this segment, with co-working spaces opening and the Mad Monkey app launching for a better digital experience. Mad Monkey currently operates three hostels in the Kingdom of Wonder in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Koh Rong Samloem, with a fourth hostel, in Kampot, set to open in the fall. Travelers can therefore explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, magical Siem Reap, cultural sites, and nightlife in Phnom Penh and soak up the sun on a paradise island, where Mad Monkey is set in a beautiful private bay. Mad Monkeys tours and events are back in full swing which means guests can enjoy a full schedule of activities and connect easily with young-minded travelers. Mad Monkey Hostels are known to be providing epic experiences, and the Mad Pass comes with complete access to the Mad Monkey community where guests can enjoy the famed Mad Monkey experience, and hostel facilities, and have a bed to stay in each and every night in any of the Cambodia properties. It is the company’s goal is to build sustainable tourism and help travelers on a budget explore Cambodia without breaking the bank. This new and convenient option allows travelers to explore all that Cambodia has to offer without having to worry about booking multiple trips or having multiple transactions. With its beautiful islands, rich culture, and ancient temples, Cambodia is the perfect destination for those looking for an affordable and flexible travel experience. Mad Monkey is committed to providing guests with an innovative and…