Press Releases
Apr
Mad Monkey Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report | Jan – March 2023
Welcome to Mad Monkey’s Corporate Social Responsibility report, where we keep you up-to-date on all the amazing ways our hostel is making a difference in the world. As travellers ourselves, we understand the importance of travelling with purpose and giving back to the communities we visit. That’s why we’re proud to share our impact stories from the first quarter of 2023 with you. From fundraising events to clean water initiatives, Mad Monkey is on a mission to be the leading socially responsible travel hostel by number of beds, worldwide.. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into our latest adventures! Fundraising Efforts for International Women’s Day 2023 Community Fundraiser in Hoi An International Women’s Day was celebrated worldwide, but our team in Hoi An, Vietnam went above and beyond to mark the occasion. On March 8th, we organized a fundraiser to support local single mothers and their disadvantaged children. We wanted to make sure everyone in the community was involved, so we invited local suppliers to donate products to be used as prizes in a charity raffle. The response was overwhelming, and we are delighted to announce that we raised a total of $264 USD, equivalent to 6’260’000 VND. Spreading Food and Love in Panglao In Panglao, Philippines, our team was determined to spread happiness on International Women’s Day by providing a much-needed meal to the residents of Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC). The center serves as a refuge for women and children who have been subjected to various forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We offered a “Merienda” spread, which is a popular afternoon meal in some parts of Europe, especially Spain and Portugal. At Mad Monkey, we hold BCIC close to our hearts. The center provides support services to young women who have survived abuse, offering them protection and safety. Its programs and services include residential care, education and training programs, therapy and counseling, and livelihood programs. The institution’s ultimate goal is to provide care and empower women of all ages to take charge of their lives. We are particularly inspired by BCIC’s commitment to not only care for and protect Boholanas who have experienced abuse but also to offer hope to all women, regardless of their circumstances. Canopy Bar Opening Party – Fun Times and Fundraising! If you know any of us at Mad Monkey, then you’ll know we love any excuse to have a drink and when we get to combine that with fundraising, you bet we’re not holding back! On March 11th, we had the opportunity to open Canopy Bar in Siem Reap. On opening night we hosted a huge party – we sure know how to throw one of those – with a live DJ, and drag performances! We donated 100% of the charity raffle proceeds, beer sales, which were kindly sponsored by Hanuman beer, and our cocktail sales, which was also kindly sponsored by Seekers Spirits. Our goal was to raise as much money as possible to support the beautiful souls at Super Monkey Kids School, which is located in Kouk Kreul village just outside of Siem Reap. Currently, the school provides English language lessons for 24 children. We are thrilled to announce that we raised $565.35 USD which will be used to purchase the following for the school: Our team will be heading back to the school once the materials are ready in order to help set up the tables, and spend some quality time with the students. World Water Day 23rd March 2023 – Fundraising For Clean Drinking Water As we prepared to say goodbye to Q1,…
Mar
Mad Monkey announces the reopening of its hostel in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand, March 2023: Mad Monkey, the renowned hostel operator and advocate of sustainable travel experiences in Southeast Asia, is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its hostel in Northern Thailand’s cultural hub, Chiang Mai. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate backpacker experience as Mad Monkey Chiang Mai throws open its doors to both new and returning guests on April 4th, 2023. With a prime location in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the vibrant Thapae Gate, Sunday Walking Street, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the hostel promises an unforgettable stay for all. At Mad Monkey Chiang Mai, we believe in providing guests with an unparalleled level of comfort and fun. The hostel features a large bar and restaurant serving up delicious food and drinks, a sparkling swimming pool to cool off on hot days, and a beer pong table for those looking to let loose and make new friends. Stay fit during your travels with our gym and yoga area, perfect for keeping your mind and body balanced. Our range of room and dorm configurations has something to suit everyone, from solo backpackers to large groups of friends. All accommodations are thoughtfully designed and come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Getting around is a breeze, with Chiang Mai’s airport and bus terminals just a ten-minute ride away by songthaew or motorbike. This makes it easy for Mad Monkey guests to explore other popular destinations in Thailand, such as Pai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok. “We are thrilled to welcome back travelers to Mad Monkey Chiang Mai,” says the hostel’s general manager. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our guests have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay with us. We can’t wait to share the Mad Monkey experience with everyone once again.” Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime – book your stay at Mad Monkey Chiang Mai today! Guests eager to experience Mad Monkey Chiang Mai’s unique brand of hospitality and catch the best deals and rewards should book through the Mad Monkey Experience App. For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/chiang-mai.
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 reopens in Pai, Thailand
Pai, Thailand, February 2023: Mad Monkey, a leading hostel operator and provider of sustainable travel experiences in Southeast Asia, is delighted to announce the reopening of its hostel in the charming town of Pai, Northern Thailand; the beginning of the company’s expansion in the country, and it’s 14th hostel in Southeast Asia Mad Monkey Pai will welcome both new and returning guests on the 1st of March, 2023, and it is excited to bring its signature hospitality and unique travel experiences to this beautiful destination. Their guests can enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks at the outdoor bar, all while taking in the stunning views of Pai, and enjoying the iconic Mad Monkey nightly events. The hostel is situated a few minutes away from many famous temples, including Wat Phra That Mae Yen (Temple on the Hill) and is the perfect choice for backpackers looking for a friendly and social environment. Mad Monkey Pai will offer the best chill backpacker vibes just a 10-minute walk from Pai Walking Street where travelers can find plenty of local eats and bars playing live music. Pai is a picturesque town in Northern Thailand, renowned for its natural beauty, hippie atmosphere, and vibrant cultural heritage. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and rice fields, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and cycling. Mad Monkey is thrilled to be able to offer a variety of activities and tours that allow travelers to explore the stunning natural beauty of Pai. Guests eager to experience Mad Monkey Pai’s unique brand of hospitality and catch the best deals and rewards should book through the Mad Monkey Experience App. For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/pai.
Jan
Mad Monkey is returning to Laos, reopening its hostel in the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos, January 2023: 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 UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang, Laos. This will be Mad Monkey’s 13th location, with many more openings and surprises on the horizon this year. With this reopening, the brand returns to Laos stoked and prepared to show its guests the beauty and traditions of the ancient capital of the country in the true Mad Monkey style. Mad Monkey Luang Prabang originally opened its doors back in November 2019. With its reopening set to happen on February 1st, the hostel is looking forward to welcoming back both old and new guests, with the same Mad Monkey brand of hospitality. Mad Monkey Luang Prabang will offer various accommodation options, including an all-female dorm, standard dorms, and superior dorms. The hostel features different social spaces such as a rooftop infinity pool, a lounge-style terrace overlooking the surrounding lush palm forests, an onsite fire pit, and an industrial-style entrance bar and restaurant that will serve up their signature social events and parties. The famous hostel brand is renowned for creating unparalleled experiences for young travelers and digital nomads, and Mad Monkey Luang Prabang will be no exception. Through its unique activities, as adventure-based tours to local must-see spots, such as the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls and nearby Pak Ou Caves, the Royal Palace Museum or the Mount Phousi, and the warm hospitality of the local Laotian culture, Mad Monkey aims to foster a sense of community and create lasting memories for its guests. Luang Prabang is a lush riverside town tucked between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage City is known for its stunning temples, picturesque waterfalls, and numerous outdoor adventures, and the brand is ready to show it to its guests through its activities, tours, and events, as well as through the team’s knowledge and passion for the city. Mad Monkey Hostel Luang Prabang is set to open on the 1st of February, 2023. Guests eager to catch the best deals and mad rewards should book through the Mad Monkey Experience App. For more information and bookings, visit our website at www.madmonkeyhostels.com/luang-prabang.