Been There Ornament – Penang

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

Been There Ornament – Sabah

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

Been There Ornament – Melbourne

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

Been There – Luang Prabang

Been There – Luang Prabang is a mug for a city that was once the royal capital of Laos and that remains the spiritual heart of the nation. Founded over a thousand years ago, it grew where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, becoming a crossroads of trade and culture. The city’s golden temples, French colonial villas, and slow river life earned it a UNESCO World Heritage title in 1995. Every dawn, saffron-robed monks walk the streets collecting alms, a ritual that keeps ancient traditions alive.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Phnom Penh

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

Been There Ornament – Luang Prabang

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

Been There – Punta Del Este

Been There – Punta Del Este is a mug for a city located on Uruguay’s southeastern coast. It is one of South America’s most glamorous seaside destinations. Once a quiet fishing village, it began to gain fame in the mid-20th century as wealthy travelers from Argentina and beyond discovered its golden beaches and relaxed charm. The city grew into a luxurious resort town known for its stunning ocean views, modern skyline, and lively nightlife. Today, Punta del Este blends natural beauty with sophistication, attracting visitors year-round to enjoy its beaches, marinas, and cultural landmarks.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Brunei

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

Been There Ornament – Cambodia

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

Been There Ornament – Laos

Been There Ornament – Laos is the release for the landlocked nation in Southeast Asia with a history that weaves together ancient kingdoms, colonial influences, and modern resilience. Once known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang, or the “Land of a Million Elephants,” Laos was founded in the 14th century and flourished as a center of trade and Buddhism. It later fell under French colonial rule in the late 19th century before gaining full independence in 1953. Today, Laos continues to embrace its cultural traditions while steadily growing as a peaceful and welcoming destination.… Read more

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