Been There Ornaments Collection

Been There Ornament – Malacca

Posted on

Been There Ornament Malacca is an ornament for a city also known as Melaka, that has a long and layered history that stretches back to the 1400s when it rose as a powerful Malay sultanate and one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. Its strategic position drew the attention of foreign powers, leading to centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British control. Each era left behind architecture, cuisine, and traditions that still shape the city today. Because of this mix, Malacca is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia’s most historically rich destinations.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Kuala Lumpur

Posted on

Been There Ornament Kuala Lumpur is yet another addition to my collection from Asia. There are still quite a few releases from this series to review!

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, began as a small tin-mining settlement in the 1850s. Over time, it grew into a bustling hub of commerce and culture, attracting people from across the country and beyond. Today, it’s the political, financial, and cultural heart of Malaysia, blending colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. The city’s skyline and heritage reflect its diverse past and rapid development, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capitals.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Perlis

Posted on

The Been There Ornament Perlis is a mini version of the mug we reviewed earlier. I’m lucky to have this in my collection, thanks to a friend who travels frequently across Asia.

Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, may be compact in size, but it is rich in history and natural beauty. Located in the far north of Peninsular Malaysia, it shares a border with Thailand and has long served as a vital trading route between the two nations. Historically known as part of the ancient Kingdom of Kedah, Perlis became a separate state in the early 19th century and developed its own distinct cultural identity.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Penang

Posted on

I’m getting closer to completing my collection of mini mugs with this beautiful Been There Ornament Penang that I got from a friend!

Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a small island with a big story to tell. You can even see the image of the island itself on the front of the mug, shaped like a green gem off Malaysia’s northwest coast. Its modern history began in 1786 when Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company established a trading post here.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Sabah

Posted on

Yet another mini mug from Malaysia! The Been There Ornament Sabah is designed using the blue color palette. This is possibly to reflect the state’s serene coastal beauty and the symbolic meanings of peace, unity, and strength found in the shades of blue on Sabah’s flag. The string of the ornament is also blue.

Sabah, known as the “Land Below the Wind,” sits on the northern tip of Borneo and carries a history as diverse as its landscapes. Long before colonial times, the region was home to several indigenous groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Bajau peoples, each with distinct languages and traditions.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Melbourne

Posted on

Similar to other Australian ornaments, the Been There Ornament Melbourne comes in a set of two, together with the country ornament. See the photo of the box below.

Melbourne began as a small settlement on the Yarra River in 1835, built by ambitious settlers looking for opportunity. The discovery of gold in the 1850s transformed it into one of the richest cities in the world. Victorian architecture, grand boulevards, and public gardens soon gave it a European charm that still defines its streets.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Phnom Penh

Posted on

Been There Ornament Phnom Penh comes in a custom box, together with the Cambodia ornament (see the photo below).

Phnom Penh was founded in the 15th century when King Ponhea Yat made it the capital of Cambodia. Resting at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers, the city has always thrived on trade and culture. It later became a key center during the French colonial era, which left a lasting mark on its architecture. The city went through dark years in the 1970s but has since risen with remarkable strength.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Luang Prabang

Posted on

I would like to share with you the pictures of the Been There Ornament Luang Prabang, which I received from a friend.

Luang Prabang sits where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, a city known for its timeless calm and golden light. Once the royal capital of Laos, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves a rare mix of Buddhist temples and French colonial charm. Mornings begin with the quiet rhythm of monks collecting alms, and evenings glow with lanterns by the river.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Brunei

Posted on

I was lucky to receive the Been There Ornament – Brunei recently. It resembles the design of the full-size mug that we’ve reviewed recently.

Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, has a history deeply rooted in Malay culture and Islamic traditions. The earliest records of Brunei date back to the 7th century, when it was part of the Srivijaya Empire and later came under the influence of the Majapahit Empire. By the 15th century, Brunei had become a powerful Islamic sultanate under Sultan Bolkiah, extending its influence over much of Borneo and the southern Philippines.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Cambodia

Posted on

Let’s continue our journey through Southeast Asia by reviewing this beautiful Been There Ornament Cambodia. Similar to some other ornaments from this region, it comes in a set with another city mini mug. You can see the photo of the box below.

Here are a few of the symbols I spotted in the design of the ornament:

– Angkor Wat stands as Cambodia’s greatest symbol and the world’s largest religious monument, representing the height of Khmer architectural mastery. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a revered Buddhist temple.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments
1 2 3 4 … 18