Press Releases
Apr
Iconic Mad Monkey Phnom Penh is Moving to a Lofty New Location
Mad Monkey is moving their iconic Phnom Penh hostel to a lofty new location in an uber-central 7-Makara district of the capital. The new property will comfortably accommodate up to 200 travelers, being the biggest Mad Monkey location to date, and the biggest experience-based hostel in Phnom Penh. Mad Monkey team announced a major move towards their goal of strengthening their position as the regional leader in the experience hospitality segment. They will be moving their iconic Phnom Penh hostel to a lofty new location. This move represents a major milestone on their journey of being the biggest provider of immersive, socially responsible, and fun experiences for young travelers and digital nomads, and is aligned with Mad Monkey’s ambitious expansion plan, as well as the direction to offer an iconic Mad Monkey experience in higher-caliber properties. The move is especially significant to the founding team, Alex, Oliver, Steve, and Tom, who started Mad Monkey in Cambodia’s capital just over 10 years ago. It’s the place where the dynamic team first met and defined the now-famous experience they are offering to young travelers. It’s where the first larger Mad Monkey team was formed and many of them have grown with the business and today hold significant positions within the company. Phnom Penh is also the place where the team first identified they want to place social responsibility at the core of the company’s business model and work closely with the communities surrounding their hostels. That model and success story were then carried over and the team has successfully replicated it across the region since. “We’re beyond excited for the move and the opportunities this property brings. We’ll truly be able to fully execute our vision for the experiences we want to create for our guests. Phnom Penh will now be an even stronger hub for travelers to enjoy before moving to our properties in Siem Reap and Koh Rong Samloem”, said Tom Edwards, co-founder of Mad Monkey. “Our Team in Cambodia can’t wait to operate in the new property. Most of them have been with us from the very beginning and have an amazing sense for what our guests crave and can truly deliver, this space will enable them to do it at their very best”, added Alex Darroch, co-founder. The team is taking over an existing property on street 242, that previously hosted a popular boutique hotel and has already started injecting the Mad Monkey ‘mojo’ into it, ensuring the atmosphere most of their guests seek is provided. The move is in line with Mad Monkey’s ambition to offer immersive cultural experiences and serve an ever-growing segment of young digital nomads and experience seekers in environments that are fun, and environmentally and socially responsible. The new property will have the capacity to host up to 200 guests in 60 rooms offering both, hostel-style dormitory accommodation as well as beautiful private rooms. The design centers on elements from old Indochina, inspiring guests with stylized furniture pieces and vintage art, adding a hint of mystery and adventure to the experience. The property features a big swimming pool and spacious common area with a bar and restaurant that will comfortably deliver the iconic Mad Monkey vibes and unforgettable events. Lush gardens will provide much-needed shade for guests to relax under after days of exploration and evenings of meeting new friends. With Cambodian borders fully reopened and the region generally easing up restrictions, the move is timely, since the demand for quality hostel accommodation Mad Monkey provides exceeds the supply at the moment and far bigger property will help accommodate crowds of travelers hungry…
Mar
Mad Monkey Secures US$4.6M Investment from EXS to Accelerate their Expansion Across Southeast Asia
Mad Monkey, a leading Southeast Asia-based hostel operator and provider of high-octane, sustainable, travel experiences, has closed its first major round of fundraising from the EXS Property Innovation Concepts VCC (“EPIC”), a Singapore-domiciled fund platform sponsored and managed by EXS, a specialist private equity firm focused on real estate business & platforms across Asia. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its ambitious expansion across Asia, substantially growing its portfolio across the region in the next 3 years, building on the great success of the past decade. Singapore, March 22, 2022 – The sun is slowly setting over the Cambodian capital. So much has changed in the uber-fast developing city in the past 10 years since the Mad Monkey team opened the first hostel in the heart of Phnom Penh. High-rises mount over pagodas, SUVs are passing slower tuk-tuks, mobile phones have become the primary payment method. But some things remain the same — the charm and soul of the entire region, inviting young adventurers back to explore its colorful streets, dreamy beaches, and magical sites, now that the pandemic-stricken world has started showing signs of recovery. Early evenings are a time when the music starts getting louder by the pool in Mad Monkey’s hostels and the party is slowly starting. But right now, there is a different buzz; the Mad Monkey team is hard at work preparing rapid re-openings of its existing locations, inviting domestic and international travelers back to its world. In the past decade, Mad Monkey has earned an iconic status in Southeast Asia and has opened hostels in 6 countries, delivering unforgettable, sustainable, and culturally immersive travel experiences to an ever-growing segment of young digital nomads & other experience-driven travelers who are hungry to travel, build friendships and experience new cultures. But reopening seems like a small task amidst a much bigger ambition now turned into an accelerated action plan. The Mad Monkey team is poised to open up to 50 hostels in the next 3 years in Asia and Australia, cementing their status as the region’s biggest player in experience-driven hospitality. To help achieve this goal, Mad Monkey has now partnered with EXS, a Singapore-based private equity firm focused on real estate businesses & platforms, through EPIC, which is focused on “New Economy Real Estate” across Asia including co-working, co-living, student housing, new hospitality, and modern fitness models. EPIC has successfully completed a US$4.6M investment into Mad Monkey to drive the company’s near-term growth and reinforce its position as Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator. “Mad Monkey is a leading player in Southeast Asia and a great example of real estate’s continued shift towards ‘new economy’ business models that combine real estate, hospitality and technology to deliver unique experiences. The Mad Monkey team has organically built a business anchored on strong values, with social and environmental responsibility at its core, while staying aggressive with expansion plans, maintaining profitability, and developing a stable team over the past decade. We are proud and excited to enter the next phase of driving Mad Monkey’s growth across the region,” stated Eric Solberg, Chairman & CEO of EXS. EXS plans to contribute its expertise in building leading Asian real estate platforms to Mad Monkey. As a specialized private equity firm with a track record of investing successfully across Southeast Asia, EXS is a strong believer in the growing trends driving new business models across real estate. Through EPIC, EXS plans to play a major role in helping the Mad Monkey team to accelerate growth and take advantage of the rapid return in tourism across the region, creating value for…
Feb
Mad Monkey scheduled to open in Chiang Mai and Pai, Thailand in March 2020
Mad Monkey is continuing its expansion in Southeast Asia with two openings in March 2020. Chiang Mai and Pai in northern Thailand will be the 15th and 16th properties to join the Mad Monkey family. While Chiang Mai is famous for its opulent temples and rich history, Pai is known for its lush, mountainous landscapes and serene vibes. Both northern cities offer unique cultural experiences and a multitude of day excursions. The hostel in Chiang Mai boasts 207-beds and is conveniently located near the center of Chiang Mai city, within walking distance of Thapae Gate, Sunday Walking Street, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The hostel is ten minutes from the Chiang Mai airport and bus terminals, offering a speedy and convenient connection for Mad Monkey guests to other Thai cities and other Mad Monkey Hostels, including Mad Monkey Bangkok via plane, and Mad Monkey Luang Prabang via the legendary slow boat journey along the Mekong River. Facilities at Mad Monkey Chiang Mai include a large bar, restaurant, swimming pool, onsite gym, and yoga area for guests. Mad Monkey Pai is situated near the peaceful banks of the Pai River in Northern Thailand, just 4 hours from Chiang Mai. The bungalow dorms are equipped with balconies overlooking the garden and are surrounded by the abundant foliage and mountainous terrain of Pai. With the same welcoming atmosphere and social vibe, Mad Monkey Chiang Mai and Pai will host regular tours, events, and parties to discover the natural beauty of northern Thailand while immersing you in the local culture alongside other travelers from around the world. About Mad Monkey Mad Monkey is currently operating 13 properties in Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Laos. Serving over 500,000 customers per year, Mad Monkey is leading the development of a truly social experience for Millenial and Generation Z Travelers. Mad Monkey is a socially responsible company that actively contributes 1% of its revenue back to its local communities by funding clean water projects, education projects, and other projects that reduce poverty and improve living conditions in the communities where Mad Monkey operates. They will continue the brand’s commitment to sustainability and positive community development in Thailand and beyond. To learn more about Mad Monkey Hostels, visit www.madmonkeyhostels.com or connect with Mad Monkey on Facebook (Chiang Mai/Pai), Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more information.
Jan
Mad Monkey scheduled to open in Kuta Lombok, Indonesia this year
The island of Lombok is just east of Bali and boasts sprawling white-sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, and spectacular hiking. The Gili Islands, where the newly built Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan is located, are off the northern west side of Lombok. Kuta Beach is just a ten minute walk from Mad Monkey, where visitors can enjoy the fantastic surf and gorgeous turquoise water. The newest property will open with 100 beds, with room to expand. Mad Monkey will help travelers enjoy the best Lombok has to offer. Home of the second largest volcano in Indonesia, Mt. Rinjani, Lombok also has lush waterfalls, traditional markets and villages, and epic viewpoints. With the same welcoming atmosphere and social vibe, Mad Monkey Kuta Lombok will host regular events, parties, and tours to discover the natural beauty of the island while immersing you in the local culture alongside other travelers from around the world. About Mad Monkey Hostels Mad Monkey Hostels is currently operating 13 properties in Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Laos. Serving over 500,000 customers per year, Mad Monkey is leading the development of a truly social experience for Millenial and Generation Z Travelers. Mad Monkey is a socially responsible company that actively contributes 1% of its revenue back to its local communities by funding clean water projects, education projects and other projects that reduce poverty and improve living conditions in the communities where Mad Monkey operates. They will continue the brand’s commitment to sustainability and positive community development in Lombok and beyond. To learn more about Mad Monkey Hostels, visit www.madmonkeyhostels.com or connect with Mad Monkey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more information.
Sep
Mad Monkey Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report | April – June 2019
Celebrations for Easter Sunday in the Philippines saw Cebu City Mad Monkeys dressed as Easter bunnies and a big easter egg hunt for delighted children and families from Barangay Lorega In preparation for opening our newest hostel Mad Monkey Siargao, our proud certified first aiders are now skilled and ready to provide assistance to our guests, fellow team members, locals & tourists during emergency situations: “Always First. Always Ready. Always There.” And over at Mad Monkey Bangkok, 11 staff also completed their First Aid Training course which included CPR training, regular first aid, snake bites, how to stop bleeding, first aid for broken bones & heatstroke. Our staff got to try out some practical CPR on a doll. April 6 is the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which recognizes the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide. For some years, Mad Monkey Hostels has been promoting comradery amongst our community members through sports. This year Mad Monkey teams helped in raising awareness of the positive contribution sports brings to the community. In the Philippines, Cebu City & Boracay hostels held pool parties and pool olympics, in Nacpan they held their own Beach Olympics. Over in Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem island hostel rallied their guests for a mad day of “Pier Olympics & Beach Competition” 💪💪💪 In Cambodia, Mad Monkey Phnom Penh funds local teams so that more players can join and establish a sense of community. For further information, check out our full Sports Day feature here: https://bit.ly/2Ke5pDW & the football team’s website at www.rielphnompenhfc.com Mad Monkey initiatives have included supporting improvements in children’s welfare, health and education. Mad Monkey Coogee Beach, Sydney holds weekly fundraising events for the benefit of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. Their fun trivia night, every Wednesday, draws up to 40 guests and the proceeds help fund new equipment, training for health professionals, art, music & play activities as well as groundbreaking research. For more information: https://www.schf.org.au Mad Monkey Bangkok supports Peuan Peuan Project providing psycho-social support with essential services to children, youth and their families in Bangkok shelters. Peuan Peuan has been working since 2006 in the government shelters in Thailand to provide services to children detained. The services include: non-formal education, life skills, psycho-social counseling, hygiene education, translation and other activities to ensure their good mental health and rehabilitation during their time in the shelter. In Phnom Penh, we are continuing our funding of a classroom for children aged 8-14 years for the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF). Last quarter we reported on our Mad Monkey Hostels Cambodia emergency fundraiser following a fire in March that devastated homes in an area where the Cambodian Children’s Fund works. 52 families were left homeless and without possessions. A few months on, we can bring good news from CCF: “Plans are in place with the land bought and cleared, and the design of the new homes agreed, made possible thanks to generous donations, which came in from Cambodia and around the world.” More information about CCF & this project can be found here: https://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org/news/fire-community-rebuild-track/ In Thailand, Mad Monkey Bangkok staff have been upskilling with ChildSafe Training provided by social workers from Peuan Peuan Project. The course provided tools for staff to identify where a child may be in an unsafe situation and was delivered through presentations, role playing, group discussions & tasks. World Health Day in April, focusing on the need for universal health coverage & UN World Day Against Child Labour in June provided us the…