[1] Variations of the legend of Badang exist due to the oral nature of its transmission, and its popular use in children's literature.

As a young man, Badang worked as a coolie for the rich farmer Orang Kaya Nira Sura in a place called Salung or Saluang in Aceh, Sumatra (modern-day Indonesia).

This was hardly enough to satisfy the hunger of such arduous work, so Badang relied on catching fish for extra sustenance.

The creature taking his fish was a demon, Jembalang air/hantu air or water spirit capable of taking the form of any flora and fauna which lives around bodies of water, described as having eyes red as fire, long matted hair, and a long beard covering its chest or reaching its waist.

Nira sura found that a large section of the forest was cleared so quickly and Badang explained everything that had transpired.

The landowner was so grateful for the servant's loyalty that he freed Badang from slavery on the condition that he never boasts of his strength and uses it to help others.

One day, the Raja had a large boat constructed and instructed fifty men to push it into the water, but they were unable to do so.

The king once asked him to gather the tasty kuras leaves from Kuala Sayong in Sumatra, so Badang set off in a boat by himself.

When he climbed the kuras tree, its branch broke and Badang fell a long way, his head hitting a rock.

Finally, Nadi Bijaya suggested that whoever can lift the large rock in front of the palace shall be declared the winner.

Badang spent many years in the Kingdom of Singapura defeating challengers from other countries, including the champion of Java.