Been There Ornament – Sarawak
The Been There Ornament Sarawak is the last known Malaysian mini mug from this collection. I am lucky I was able to collect them all thanks to my friend!
The design of the Been There Ornament Sarawak reflects the rich cultural history and natural heritage of Malaysia’s largest state, shaped by centuries of indigenous traditions, trade along river routes, and colonial influence. Sarawak’s past is closely tied to the Brooke era, when it was ruled by the White Rajahs in the 19th century, leaving behind distinctive architecture and institutions that still define the region today. The mug design subtly incorporates the geography of Sarawak, highlighting rivers, forests, and mountains that have long connected communities across this vast and diverse state.
– The striking modern structure shown on the mug represents the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building in Kuching. Its distinctive umbrella-inspired design symbolizes unity among Sarawak’s many ethnic groups while serving as the seat of state governance. Located along the Sarawak River, the building has become one of the most recognizable contemporary landmarks in the capital.
– The Cat Family Monument is the most photographed cat statue in Kuching, located at the golden traffic triangle on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, in front of Grand Margherita Hotel 360tour. It features a father cat, mother cat, and seven playful kittens 360tour, with the father cat being a yellow-orange color with black stripes. The statue has been there for nearly 30 years and represents harmony and unity.
– Rising prominently in the background of the design is Mount Santubong, a landmark mountain near the coast north of Kuching. The mountain is tied to local legends and offers hiking trails with sweeping views of the South China Sea. It stands as a reminder of Sarawak’s close connection to both rainforest landscapes and coastal environments.
– Music and cultural celebration are represented by the Rainforest World Music Festival, one of Sarawak’s most internationally recognized events. Held annually near Kuching, the festival brings together musicians from around the world alongside indigenous performers from Borneo. It highlights Sarawak’s role as a cultural crossroads where traditional sounds meet global influences.
– Sarawak’s indigenous communities have preserved a rich tradition of handcrafted musical instruments. The sape, a boat-shaped lute of the Orang Ulu people, is the most iconic, featuring intricate carvings and producing hauntingly melodic sounds for storytelling and ceremonies. Percussion instruments like the gendang (drum) and engkerumung (small gongs) provide rhythm for celebrations and dances, while the keledi, a bamboo nose flute, creates soft tones traditionally used for courting. Crafted from local materials like ironwood and bamboo, these instruments reflect the deep connection between Sarawak’s people and their environment.
– Wildlife illustrations on the mug reflect Sarawak’s reputation as a biodiversity hotspot, where visitors can spot iconic animals such as orangutans, hornbills, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles. These species thrive in national parks and protected rainforests across the state. Wildlife conservation remains a key focus as Sarawak balances development with environmental preservation.
– Local cuisine is also featured through depictions of traditional dishes commonly enjoyed in Sarawak. Specialties such as laksa Sarawak, kolo mee, and manok pansoh showcase the region’s unique flavors shaped by indigenous cooking methods and diverse cultural influences. Food plays a central role in daily life and festivals, offering visitors a direct way to experience Sarawak’s heritage.
