Once upon a time, in a fishing village in Air Manis, West Sumatra, there lived a family of fishermen. Due to the family's financial needs, the father decided to migrate across the sea. 

However, the father never returned to the village and left his wife, Mande Rubayah. The wife then raised their son, Malin, by herself. By his mother, Malin was often invited (taken anywhere). Therefore, the child got a new nickname, Malin Kundang.

Malin grew up to be a smart boy, but a little mischievous. Malin often chased chickens and hit them with a broom. One day, when Malin was chasing chickens, he fell and hit his hand on a rock. The wound left a mark on his arm.

Growing up, Malin felt sorry for his mother who had to struggle to provide for them, so he intended to migrate with a merchant ship. When he told his mother about his intention, she did not allow him to go. 

Mrs. Mande was not willing to leave her only child behind. She was also afraid that Malin would become like his father who left and never returned to the village.

Despite his mother's refusal, Malin did not stop persuading her. Seeing Malin's persistence, Mrs. Mande allowed him to leave, although with a heavy heart. After convincing her mother that she would be fine, Malin said goodbye and left Mrs. Mande alone in the village.

While sailing on his journey, a bad incident happened to the ship Malin was traveling on and he was stranded on a beach. The villagers on the beach welcomed and helped Malin to live and work there.

Malin worked diligently to cultivate the village's fertile land and became increasingly successful. Malin had 100 workers and a number of trading ships of his own. After becoming a wealthy man, Malin married the daughter of a rich merchant. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mande never received any news from Malin after his departure. For years, Mrs. Mande could only stare at the sea while praying that her son would be safe and send news, or even return to the village.

Whenever a large ship docked in the village, Mrs. Mande always asked the captain and crew about her son. However, no one ever brought news or messages from Malin.

Once upon a time, Malin, his wife and several crew members went sailing on a large ship. After sailing for a while, the ship anchored on an island. Without realizing it, it turned out to be Malin's hometown. 

Seeing the large ship anchored, the villagers, including Mrs. Mande, gathered on the beach. They wanted to welcome the ship, which they thought belonged to a sultan or prince.