Oct 30, 2025

Sea Burial Singapore: Rules, Process & Ash Scattering Guide

Sea burial in Singapore generally refers to the respectful scattering of a deceased person’s cremated ashes at sea after cremation. It is an alternative for families who do not wish to keep the ashes at home or place them in a columbarium niche.

Singapore has a designated maritime area where cremated ashes may be scattered at sea. Families usually travel to the approved location by boat and may hold a simple prayer, remembrance ceremony or private farewell before scattering the ashes.

This guide explains the approved sea ash-scattering location, operating hours, boat arrangements, what families should prepare, what may happen on the day and the alternatives available for families who prefer inland ash scattering.

Where Is the Approved Sea Ash-Scattering Site in Singapore?

The approved maritime site for scattering cremated ashes is located approximately 3.2 km east of Raffles Lighthouse.

Sea ash scattering at the designated area can currently be conducted between 7am and 7pm daily.

Families normally arrange a suitable boat to travel to the approved location. The boat operator or funeral director can help coordinate the journey and advise the family regarding the practical arrangements.

What Does Sea Burial Mean in Singapore?

The term “sea burial” can sometimes cause confusion.

In the Singapore funeral context, sea burial generally means scattering cremated human ashes at sea. It does not normally mean placing the deceased or a coffin directly into the sea.

The deceased is first cremated. The cremated remains are then collected and brought by boat to the designated maritime ash-scattering area.

How Does a Sea Burial in Singapore Work?

Every family’s arrangements can be slightly different, but the process generally involves the following stages.

1. Cremation of the Deceased

The deceased is cremated before the sea ash-scattering ceremony takes place.

Families may choose direct cremation or cremation following a traditional funeral wake, depending on their wishes and funeral arrangements.

2. Collection of the Cremated Ashes

After cremation, the family or funeral director arranges for the cremated remains to be collected.

The ashes should be kept safely in a suitable container or urn until the sea burial arrangement takes place.

3. Boat Arrangement

A suitable vessel is arranged to transport the family and cremated ashes to the approved sea-scattering location.

The type of boat, passenger capacity, departure location and journey duration depend on the operator and arrangement selected.

4. Travel to the Designated Sea-Scattering Area

The boat proceeds to the approved maritime area approximately 3.2 km east of Raffles Lighthouse.

Families should follow the instructions of the boat operator during the journey, particularly when moving around the vessel or preparing for the ash-scattering ceremony.

5. Family Farewell or Prayer

Before scattering the ashes, families may choose to have a short farewell.

This may include:

• A prayer or blessing
• A moment of silence
• A short religious ceremony
• Buddhist chanting where appropriate
• A reading or poem
• A remembrance message
• A private family farewell

6. Scattering of the Cremated Ashes

The cremated ashes are then respectfully scattered into the sea at the designated location.

The funeral director or boat operator can guide the family on the practical arrangement so the ceremony can be conducted safely and respectfully.

What Time Can Sea Burial Be Conducted?

The designated sea ash-scattering area can currently be used between 7am and 7pm daily.

This does not mean boats are available throughout that entire period. Boat departure times depend on the individual operator, vessel availability and weather conditions.

Families should therefore confirm the departure time in advance rather than arriving without an arrangement.

Do We Need to Book a Boat for Sea Burial?

Families generally require suitable marine transportation to reach the approved ash-scattering location.

A funeral director can help coordinate the boat arrangement and explain what the family needs to prepare.

Before confirming a vessel, families should check:

• Passenger capacity
• Boat departure location
• Departure and return times
• Expected journey duration
• Accessibility for family members with mobility needs
• Weather cancellation or postponement arrangements
• Any restrictions imposed by the vessel operator

How Many Family Members Can Attend?

The number of relatives who can attend depends on the capacity of the vessel selected.

Families with a larger group should inform the funeral director or boat operator early so an appropriately sized vessel can be considered.

Passenger numbers should not exceed the vessel’s permitted capacity.

What Should Families Bring?

The precise requirements depend on the family’s ceremony, but families may wish to prepare:

• The cremated ashes
• A secure urn or container
• Any prayer or religious text
• Personal remembrance messages
• Any approved ceremonial items
• Suitable clothing for the boat journey
• Medication or mobility aids required by family members

Families should discuss any special religious or ceremonial requirements before the day of departure.

Can We Have a Prayer Before Scattering the Ashes?

Yes. Families may hold a religious or non-religious farewell according to their beliefs and wishes.

A ceremony may involve a pastor, priest, monk or another religious representative, depending on the family’s faith.

Other families may prefer a simple private farewell involving only close relatives.

Can Buddhist Families Conduct Chanting?

Buddhist families may choose to conduct chanting or prayers before the ashes are scattered.

Buddhist funeral traditions can differ between families and religious traditions, so specific rites should be discussed with the family’s chosen monk or Buddhist religious representative.

Can Christian or Catholic Families Have a Sea Burial?

Christian or Catholic families may also choose sea ash scattering if it is consistent with their family’s wishes and religious guidance.

A pastor or priest may be invited to conduct an appropriate prayer or blessing before the ashes are scattered.

Families should discuss any specific religious requirements with their church or religious representative.

Can Hindu Families Scatter Ashes at Sea?

Some Hindu families choose sea scattering as part of their funeral and post-cremation traditions.

The prayers, rites and timing may differ according to the family’s tradition. Families should consult their priest or religious representative regarding specific religious practices.

Can Freethinker Families Arrange Sea Burial?

Yes. Sea burial does not need to involve a religious ceremony.

A Freethinker or non-religious family may choose a simple remembrance involving speeches, photographs, a reading, music where practical, a moment of silence or a private family farewell.

Can Flowers Be Used During a Sea Burial?

Families who wish to include flowers or other ceremonial items should discuss this with the boat operator or funeral director before departure.

Plastic, synthetic or other inappropriate materials should not be released into the sea.

Families should avoid throwing plastic wrapping, artificial flowers, containers or other non-biodegradable items into the water.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?

Sea conditions and weather can affect boat operations.

If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, the boat operator may need to postpone, reschedule or cancel the trip.

Families should remain in contact with their funeral director or boat operator before travelling to the departure point.

How Long Does a Sea Burial Take?

There is no single duration for every sea burial.

The total time can depend on:

• The boat departure location
• Vessel speed
• Weather and sea conditions
• Passenger boarding time
• The duration of the family’s farewell ceremony
• The return journey

The boat operator can provide an estimated journey duration when the arrangement is confirmed.

Is Sea Burial Suitable for Older Family Members?

This depends on the individual’s mobility, health, comfort on boats and the type of vessel being used.

Families with mobility or accessibility needs should discuss the arrangements with the boat operator before booking.

If travelling by boat is not suitable for certain relatives, the family may consider inland ash scattering or another post-cremation arrangement.

Sea Burial vs Columbarium

A columbarium provides a permanent physical niche where cremated remains can be placed and visited by relatives in future.

Sea burial is different because the cremated ashes are scattered and are not retained in a permanent niche afterwards.

The choice depends on the deceased’s wishes, family preferences, religious considerations and how family members would like to remember their loved one.

Sea Burial vs Inland Ash Scattering

Families who prefer a land-based environment can consider inland ash scattering instead of travelling by boat.

Singapore currently has two NEA-managed inland ash-scattering gardens:

• Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery
• Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium

These facilities contain designated lanes where families can scatter fine cremated ashes in a landscaped environment.

Inland ash scattering requires an appropriate booking before the family attends.

Garden of Serenity at Mandai North

Garden of Serenity is located at Mandai North Crematorium.

It provides families with an inland alternative to sea scattering or placement of ashes in a columbarium niche.

The facility contains designated ash-scattering lanes in a landscaped setting intended to provide families with privacy and a respectful environment.

Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang

Garden of Peace is located within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.

It was Singapore’s first dedicated inland ash-scattering facility and continues to provide families with an option for scattering cremated ashes on land.

What Are the Opening Hours for Inland Ash Scattering?

NEA currently lists the Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity as operating from 9am to 5.30pm daily, except on days when the facilities are closed for maintenance.

Families should confirm current availability before attending because maintenance closures or other operational changes can occur.

Do Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity Require Booking?

Yes. Families should arrange a booking through the applicable NEA process before using the inland ash-scattering facilities.

The authorised person or next-of-kin may need to provide the required identification and application documentation.

Families should check the latest NEA requirements before making arrangements.

How Much Does Inland Ash Scattering Cost?

NEA currently lists a $320 booking fee for its inland ash-scattering service.

Families should confirm the current fee and booking requirements directly with NEA because government fees may change over time.

Sea Burial or Garden of Serenity: Which Is More Suitable?

There is no single arrangement that is suitable for every family.

A sea burial may suit families who prefer an open maritime setting and are comfortable travelling by boat.

Garden of Serenity may suit families who prefer a landscaped land-based environment or have relatives who would find a boat journey difficult.

Families may wish to consider:

• The wishes of the deceased
• Religious and cultural preferences
• Mobility and accessibility requirements
• Weather and sea conditions
• The number of relatives attending
• Whether the family prefers a sea or garden setting

For a detailed comparison, read our Sea Burial vs Garden Scattering Singapore guide.

Where Else Can Cremated Ashes Be Kept?

Ash scattering is not the only option available after cremation.

Depending on the family’s wishes and applicable requirements, cremated ashes may also be:

• Placed in a columbarium niche
• Kept at home
• Scattered at an approved inland ash-scattering garden
• Scattered at the designated sea-scattering location
• Transported overseas where applicable

Where Can I Scatter Ashes in Singapore?

Families who want a broader comparison of the available locations and options can read our Where to Scatter Ashes in Singapore guide.

That article focuses specifically on the different places and options available for the management of cremated ashes.

Can Cremated Ashes Be Taken Overseas?

Some families choose to transport cremated ashes overseas for their final resting place.

The documentation and airline requirements can vary according to the destination country and carrier.

Families should check the requirements before travelling and allow sufficient time to prepare any necessary documents.

How Much Does Sea Burial Cost in Singapore?

The total cost of a sea burial depends on the arrangements selected.

Possible cost factors include:

• Boat rental
• Vessel capacity
• Departure location
• Journey duration
• Funeral director coordination
• Religious arrangements where requested
• Additional memorial or ceremonial requirements

Families should request an itemised quotation based on the number of passengers and services they require.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Burial Singapore

Where is the approved sea-scattering location?

The designated maritime ash-scattering site is located approximately 3.2 km east of Raffles Lighthouse.

What time can ashes be scattered at sea?

Ash scattering at the designated maritime site can currently take place between 7am and 7pm daily.

Is the body placed directly into the sea?

No. Sea burial in this context refers to scattering cremated ashes after the deceased has been cremated.

Do we need a boat?

Families generally require suitable marine transportation to reach the approved sea ash-scattering location.

Can relatives attend?

Yes, subject to the permitted passenger capacity and arrangements of the vessel selected.

Can we hold a prayer before scattering the ashes?

Yes. Families may arrange a religious or non-religious farewell according to their beliefs and wishes.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The vessel operator may postpone or reschedule the journey if weather or sea conditions make the trip unsuitable or unsafe.

Can ashes be scattered at Garden of Serenity instead?

Yes. Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium is one of Singapore’s designated inland ash-scattering facilities. A booking is required.

Can ashes be scattered anywhere along Singapore’s coastline?

Families should follow current official guidance and use the approved sea ash-scattering location rather than selecting an arbitrary coastal location.

Sea Burial Services Singapore

Singapore Funeral Committee can assist families with Sea Burial Singapore arrangements after cremation.

Our funeral team can assist with coordination of the cremated ashes, boat arrangements, family attendance and practical preparations for the sea-scattering ceremony.

Religious or personalised remembrance arrangements can also be discussed according to the family’s wishes.

24/7 Funeral Assistance Singapore

Families who are unsure what to do with cremated ashes can contact Singapore Funeral Committee for guidance on sea burial, inland ash scattering, columbarium arrangements and other post-cremation options.

For assistance with sea burial arrangements in Singapore, call or WhatsApp Singapore Funeral Committee at +65 9844 8444.