Keris became the region-wide cultural phenomenon after the decline of Majapahit Kingdom circa 15th century. Keris designs that derived from outside of Java shows adoption of regional characteristics. Sundang, or Kalis in Tausug dialect, is one example to show this diversity, distinguished by the size, thickness of the blade and the way it is being held. This typology is prominent in Borneo, Sulu Archipelago up until the Southern districts of the Philippines.
The sword-like Sundang also exists in Malay Peninsula and Sulawesi, being used by the Malays and Buginese since the olden days. The nature of how sundangs are being used signifies the inclusion of metal stirrups (asang-asang) and different methods to fix the hilts while retaining the standard features of the blade. This is to make it sturdier for slashing rather than the typical thrusting and stabbing usages of the normal keris.