In Reply to: THE BIG CREMATION CEREMONY posted by Barong Naga on Thursday, 8. July 2004 at 01:31 Bali Time:
The government tourist bureau in Ubud sold us a 'cremation tour' on our first trip to Bali. I'd read about the cremation ceremonies, and when the gov. tourist bureau assured me tourists were welcomed beacause "Balinese want to share as many aspects of Balinese culture as possible," we believed them. So we bought tickets for a cremation tour. Perhaps some of the tourist dollars helped the village, i don't know.
As it turned out, we were welcomed. When i realised i was inappropriately dressed i tried to hire/ beg/borrow the correct dress from a small warung, as no shops sold sarongs. They asked me "why? no other tourist is" i answered "respect" and was invited into the home where the family and priest were, prior to outdoor ceremony.
Barong i think if tourists attendance at funerals is offensive then Indonesian tourist agents who sell tours need to be told this by Balinese. Also when Balinese are holding cremations they might have signs to say it is private. At least until tourist agents get the message.
There's no point telling us when we're assured our presence is welcomed.
Would i personally find it odd a group of tourists turning up at a funeral? Yes, of course.