Cremation and Columbarium in Singapore: A Practical Guide

Cremation is the most common choice in Singapore, given limited land for burial. This guide covers the practical steps, from the crematorium to the final resting place. A funeral director handles most of the arrangements, but it helps to understand the options.

Mandai Crematorium

Most cremations take place at the government crematorium at Mandai, managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), at 300 Mandai Road. Service halls host a short farewell before the cremation. Bookings are usually made by the funeral director, and a nominal fee applies.

Collecting the ashes

The ashes are collected the following day. Families may then place them in a columbarium niche, keep them, or scatter them at sea, according to their wishes and beliefs.

Columbarium niches

A columbarium niche is a small recess that holds the urn. Government columbaria offer more affordable niches, while temples and private providers offer a range up to premium options. Niches can often be chosen in advance, and families may wish to select one near other relatives.

Sea burial

Scattering ashes at sea is a permitted alternative in Singapore, at a designated area off the southern coast. Some families find comfort in a resting place that asks for no upkeep. A funeral director can arrange the boat and the short ceremony.