15/05/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 15, 2026

MAIN SPONSOR

REGISTER HERE

22

Cake Decorating CONTEST

TH 2 PM - 5 PM 19

JUNE 2026 (REGISTRATION STARTS AT 1:00 PM)

CILANTRO CULINARY & PASTRY ACADEMY

VENUE SPONSOR

*Terms & Conditions Apply

NEPAL has issued a record number of permits for the ascent of Mount Everest this spring, officials said recently, raising fears of heavy traffic on the world’s highest mountain, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. As of May 8, Nepal has issued 492 permits for Everest alone, bringing in more than US$7.1 million (RM27.8 million) in revenue, according to Tourism Department (DoT) data. The previous record had been set in 2023, when 478 permits to summit Everest were issued. Last year, Nepalese authorities issued 468 permits. Overall, 1,134 mountaineering permits were issued for 30 peaks for the coming season, bringing in record revenue of over US$8.3 million. “Despite the Gen Z protests and the Israel Iran war, a record number of climbers have taken permits this season. This is truly historic,” DoT spokesperson Himal Gautam told dpa. In September, the Himalayan country was rocked by serious unrest after a ban on social media platforms drove tens of thousands of mostly young protesters onto the streets, denouncing widespread corruption and nepotism. At least 76 people were killed in the so-called Gen Z protests. According to reports in Nepali media, a reason for the record number of permits issued is China has closed the ascent to Everest from the Tibetan side of the mountain. Official figures in Nepal show the largest number of applications this year are from China, followed by the US and India. The increase in climbers is expected to boost Nepal’s economy but some fear traffic jams on Everest due to delayed summit preparations. In the past, congestion at the summit has left climbers stranded for hours in the so-called death zone with low oxygen concentration, contributing to deaths that some climbers and experts say were avoidable. Compared to previous years, this spring the first summit has been delayed nearly two weeks due to unstable ice conditions, bad weather, logistical hurdles and a dispute over the use of drones. Gautam, however, said the season was going as scheduled. The Everest climbing season typically sees summit attempts concentrated within a few days or weeks in May when weather conditions are most stable. After May, warming temperatures accelerate melting of the Khumbu Glacier, forcing expeditions to wrap up. – Bernama Nepal issues record number of climbing permits for Mount Everest

HAWT HOTELS

Fairmont Hanoi Country: Vietnam

Fairmont Hanoi features 241 guest rooms, including 38 Fairmont Gold rooms and 12 spacious suites. These spaces provide a sanctuary of calm and quiet confidence, boasting captivating views of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter or the dynamic city skyline. The hotel’s collection of eight distinctive restaurants, bars and lounge presents a diverse gastronomic adventure. From Chef Luke Nguyen’s contemporary interpretations of Vietnamese heritage at Tran Dynasty and the sophisticated Japanese offerings of Hiryu, to Michelin-starred Chef Nicolas Isnard’s vibrant Italian flavors at Bacco, each venue stands as a social epicentre, promising memorable moments and exquisite tastes. Weary or health-conscious travellers can find an urban oasis for holistic well-being at the Cirua Spa, Fitness & Wellness Club, a pioneering sanctuary for rejuvenation.

Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort Country: Japan

Located in the Twuriba district of Miyako Island City, 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport and 25 minutes from Miyako Shimojishima Airport, Canopy Okinawa Miyako Island Resort offers convenient access to downtown Miyako Island and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, placing guests within easy reach of the island’s iconic coastal landscapes. The resort offers 306 guest rooms, ranging from 35 sq m guest rooms and deluxe rooms with private balconies, to expansive 102 sq m suites with separate living and bedroom spaces. Crafted to accommodate different travel styles, each of the 11 room types offers a comfortable and inviting retreat, allowing guests to unwind and embrace the island’s relaxed pace of life. Four sophisticated dining and social experiences across the resort draw inspiration from Miyako Island’s seasonal produce and Okinawan culinary traditions.

JEN Hong Kong by Shangri-La Country: China

This renovated hotel brings together simplicity, clean lines and warm modernity. The interiors feature a calming palette of warm grey, natural oak and black timber, accented with deep hues of blue and green, to create a tranquil atmosphere. The upgraded room categories, including the Cityscape, Harbourscape, Mountain Club, Harbour Club, Suite Club and the debut of JEN Residence combine intuitive comfort and serene functionality for effortless stays. Each newly renovated room weaves Hong Kong’s urban tapestry into its design through a monochrome photography series titled Hidden Moments of Stillness by Jeff Tung. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Sai Wan, the hotel is just one minute from HKU MTR Station and is adjacent to the cultural hubs of Sheung Wan and Central, making it perfect for discovering local culture, including temples, cafes and historic streets.

Conrad Athens The Ilisian Country: Greece

Formerly the beloved Hilton Athens, the property has undergone a significant transformation to emerge as a contemporary urban resort in the cultural heart of Athens. The hotel’s 278 guestrooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city and sit at the heart of The Ilisian, a new mixed-use destination that unites a vibrant line-up of restaurants and bars, a resort-style wellness offering anchored by Athens’ largest outdoor pool landscape, private residences and the House of NYNN private members’ club. The hotel evokes the feeling of an open-air gallery, with the original one-of-a-kind 620 sq m sculpted marble facades by Greek artist Yannis Moralis, a modernist sculptural tribute to classical mythology. By night, Emmy award-winning lighting designer Eleftheria Deko invites guests to gather for a local aperitif as the installation comes to life.

Lonely Planet names Vietnam’s Da Nang among Asia’s top nine summer destinations

My Khe beach is one of Da Nang’s top attractions. – 123RFPIC

VIETNAM’S central coastal city of Da Nang has continued to gain international recognition, ranking second in a list of the nine best places in Asia to visit during June, July and August, released by travel guide Lonely Planet , Vietnam News Agency reported, citing Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre. The list highlights the diversity of summer travel experiences across Asia, from destinations with pleasant sunshine and favourable weather to cities with hot and humid climates. Amid rising travel demand, choosing suitable destinations has become increasingly important, with Da Nang identified as one of the top choices. The guide describes Da Nang as an outdoor lover’s paradise, whether visitors choose to relax on beaches such as My Khe and Non

Nuoc or explore distinctive architecture at sites such as the Dragon Bridge. It also noted the city’s rich Cham heritage, showcased at the Museum of Cham Sculpture. The harmonious combination of natural resources, cultural values and well-developed tourism infrastructure has helped Da Nang maintain its appeal. Beyond being a resort destination, the city offers diverse experiences ranging from nature and culture exploration to cuisine and high quality tourism services. Being featured in Lonely Planet ’s ranking has helped elevate Da Nang’s image on the international tourism map, while opening up opportunities to attract more visitors, particularly from Australia, and those seeking beach and outdoor experiences. – Bernama