In the mid 19th century the British crown is plagued by pirates such as Sandokan, the "tiger of Malaysia". Wounded in an ambush, the Tiger flees and is nursed back to health by Marianna, who runs away with him. Sandokan is suspected of kidnapping, and Marianna, in the ensuing fighting, is mortally wounded. Heartbroken, Sandokan leaves Mompracem in a small boat with his friend Yanez.