A social eco-hostel tucked in Koh Tao’s hillside jungle paradise with a big heart and an even bigger mission? Yes please 
We sat down with one of founders of Wonderland Jungle Hostel, Valeri Johnstone, who shared how they built a space where travellers and the local community could connect, learn, and grow together.
Located on a hill but further away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of the island, Wonderland Jungle Hostel has stunning views over the lush jungle. A rooftop bar, air con and daily social activities – you couldn’t have a better base to dive into the natural wonders of Koh Tao.
And wait, it gets even better 
Two humanitarians and a Buddhist open a hostel
Valeri, her husband and a close friend – two humanitarians and a Buddhist – shared a dream about creating a space that functioned both as a hostel and a community centre.
“We had no idea if it would work,” Valeri tells us. “It was during the uncertainty of COVID-19, but we knew we had to try.” So, they took out a loan and poured everything into building Wonderland Jungle Hostel.
Spoiler alert: it worked out. Wonderland Jungle Hostel just won the Community Superhero Award in this year’s HOSCARs because beyond being a hostel, they are an education hub and charitable organisation that has equipped over 300 students with essential skills.
A place where education changes lives
From day one, Wonderland Jungle Hostel wasn’t just about comfy beds and jungle views. It was designed as a base for education, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.
“We’re equally a hostel and an initiative for positive change,” Valeri says. The hostel’s communal space doubles as a classroom, where volunteers hold free English, computer, and arts classes for local children 
One of the most impactful projects is the dedicated dormitory for Indigenous students. Cherry Koe was a child when her family fled Myanmar and she started attending the hostel’s free English classes. Then there’s Vanisa, from Malaysia, who arrived never having seen a laptop before. Both girls come from rural areas where formal education was either extremely limited or non-existent.
Fast forward two years and these two young women are standing in front of a room full of travellers, giving a presentation in flawless English. Cherry Koe spoke about the war in Myanmar and how education became her light in the darkness, while Vanisa shared how she grew up in a village without a school and how meeting Valeri on a humanitarian mission ignited her love for learning.
“It was a deeply emotional moment seeing these two young women, who had started from zero,” Valeri recalls. “Seeing them inspire others reminded me of why we built Wonderland in the first place. We wanted to create a place where even the smallest opportunity can spark a transformation.” 
A ripple effect of kindness
The hostel has become a hub of learning where both the local community and travellers benefit from the skills and knowledge shared 
Valeri and her husband Pascal co-founded the Horizon Asia Educational Association (HAEA), a volunteer-driven initiative that now provides life-changing educational opportunities to underserved youth across Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
It is also the only property in the region that has a fair salary system: all staff from cleaners to general manager get the same salary. “Just because it was the right thing to do,” Valeri says.
Upon learning about the impact, travellers are eager to jump in and help. Some offer to teach classes, others help with the educational association, and many just bring their unique talents and skills to share with everyone 
“We throw out ideas, and people naturally take them on,” Valeri tells. There are several workshops a week, the hostel is full of art and people continue volunteering even after leaving Wonderland, such as a Canadian medical student who’s teaching a local kid dreaming of becoming a doctor.
There’s now a network of 30 volunteers who work on-site or remotely, some teaching in person and others mentoring students virtually.
Located on a remote island, Wonderland Jungle Hostel also takes their environmental footprint seriously 
They use solar-powered lighting outside, collect rainwater and run an organic garden. There’s no single use plastic in sight and guests can trade in plastic bottle caps collected from the island’s beaches for a free drink.
Every corner feels like a story waiting to happen
Valeri tells us that growing up, the book Alice in Wonderland became her escape, an imaginary place where creativity and curiosity sparked endless adventures. At Wonderland Jungle Hostel, she wanted to bring that same sense of magic to life 
Every corner is designed to transport guests into a whimsical storybook world, where creativity thrives and the unexpected becomes reality. Just like the book that inspired it, Wonderland Jungle Hostel is a reminder that nothing is impossible.
Valeri’s secret spots in Koh Tao
You’ve probably heard about Koh Tao’s world class diving spots, but Valeri’s got some hidden gems up her sleeve…
Hike to the abandoned resort at Laem Thien Beach…
Take a scenic trek though the jungle to a secluded bay to find the hauntingly beautiful remains of an abandoned resort. It’s the perfect spot for adventure seekers who love exploring forgotten places and snorkelling in untouched waters.
…or to the abandoned hut near Sai Thong Beach
This lesser-known hike to the abandoned hut near Sai Thong beach rewards you with breathtaking ocean views and a sense of peaceful isolation. Bring a book, soak in the scenery, and feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise.
Volunteer at the local dog shelter
For those who want to give back while travelling, try volunteering at Koh Koh Pups, a local dog shelter. Walk rescue puppies, play with them, and give them much-needed love.
