The film revolves around Kanang, an Iban, an ethnic warrior people who live in the remote interior highlands of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. In accordance with the Iban belief that their children are raised to become warriors, Kanang is taught by his grandfather about the secrets of the jungle. Kanang becomes a great hunter and jungle tracker, able to read the wind, hear the breath of tigers and lions, and hear the heartbeat of trees. The year 1965 marked the peak of Communist rebellion in Malaysia and Sarawak was also exposed to the threat of Communist brutality. The British Army had learned about Kanang's expertise and prowess in the jungle and tried to interest him to serve and help fight against Communist militants. Kanang's military career begins when he joins the Sarawak Ranger Regiment as an Iban Tracker, eventually becoming a Major Sergeant in the 8th Ranger Regiment in the Malaysian Armed Forces.