Sep 18, 2025

If you are wondering where to scatter ashes in Singapore, the designated options include a sea-scattering site east of Raffles Lighthouse and two inland gardens: Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium.

The choice depends on the family’s wishes, religious considerations and practical needs. This guide explains the differences and what to confirm before arranging the farewell.

Ash Scattering Options at a Glance

• Sea scattering: A farewell at the designated maritime site, with suitable boat arrangements.
• Garden of Peace: Inland scattering at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery through an NEA booking.
• Garden of Serenity: Inland scattering at Mandai North Crematorium through an NEA booking.

Use the designated facilities and follow their instructions. Do not assume that a beach, reservoir, public park or other outdoor location allows ash scattering.

Sea Ash Scattering

NEA identifies a designated sea-scattering site about 3.2 kilometres east of Raffles Lighthouse. Confirm the arrangements with the boat operator or funeral provider before booking.

Ask which departure point the operator uses, how many passengers can attend and what assistance it offers with boarding. Also, explain any mobility needs or concerns about travelling by boat.

Before confirming, ask:

• What does the boat booking include?
• Where and when should the family gather?
• What should the family bring?
• Can the requested prayers or farewell fit the trip?
• What happens if weather or sea conditions affect departure?
• What are the cancellation or rescheduling terms?

For the designated location and published guidance, see NEA’s ash management information.

Garden of Peace

Garden of Peace sits within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. It provides designated lanes where families can scatter cremated ashes in a garden setting.

Before booking, review NEA’s current instructions and confirm the entrance, meeting point and access arrangements. Share those details with relatives so everyone reaches the correct location.

Garden of Serenity

Garden of Serenity is Singapore’s second NEA-managed inland ash-scattering facility. It is located at Mandai North Crematorium.

Confirm the garden location rather than relying only on a general reference to Mandai. Also, allow time for relatives to find the meeting point before the booked session.

How to Book Inland Ash Scattering

Review NEA’s booking procedures and terms before choosing a session. Ask your funeral director whether the family will make the booking or whether the provider will assist.

Check the required documents, available sessions, applicable fees and attendance conditions. Facility opening hours do not necessarily mean a scattering session is available at any time.

NEA also conducts periodic ash-soil transfers as part of maintaining the scattering lanes. Read the terms so your family understands how the facility manages the ashes over time.

Consult NEA’s inland ash-scattering facilities page for locations, maintenance notices and links to booking guidance.

Choosing Between Sea and Inland Scattering

Start with any wishes the deceased expressed. Then discuss which setting and arrangements suit the close family members who wish to attend.

Consider:

• Whether everyone can comfortably travel by boat.
• Accessibility and transport to the meeting point.
• The number of relatives attending.
• Religious or cultural guidance.
• The desired prayers or farewell.
• The complete cost and any separate charges.

Before deciding, remember that scattering releases the ashes. Families should not expect to retrieve them afterwards.

Discuss Religious Preferences First

Do not assume that ash scattering suits every faith or tradition. Speak with the family’s religious representative before making a booking if religious requirements matter to the decision.

Also, tell the provider about any requested observances. Confirm what the chosen location permits and what the arrangement includes.

What Costs Should Families Check?

Ask for a quotation that separates the scattering arrangement from other services.

Depending on the option, clarify charges for:

• The facility booking or boat trip.
• Family transportation.
• Assistance with handling and coordination.
• Requested religious services.
• Optional items.
• Changes, cancellation or rescheduling.

Check the current official fee or provider quotation before confirming. An ash-collection service does not automatically include ash scattering.

What if the Family Does Not Want to Scatter the Ashes?

Scattering is a choice rather than a necessary next step after cremation. Families can discuss alternatives such as a columbarium niche, keeping the ashes at home or transporting them overseas, subject to relevant requirements and religious considerations.

Take time to understand the options and agree on who will coordinate the next arrangements.

Family Checklist Before the Appointment

• Agree on the option with the relevant family members.
• Discuss religious considerations where applicable.
• Confirm the booking and required documents.
• Check the exact meeting point.
• Arrange transport and accessibility assistance.
• Confirm what to bring and how to handle the ashes.
• Review the quotation and any separate charges.
• Share the confirmed schedule with attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Scatter Ashes at a Beach or Public Park?

Do not assume these locations permit scattering. Use the designated options and check the relevant official guidance before proceeding.

Are Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity the Same Place?

No. Garden of Peace is at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. Garden of Serenity is at Mandai North Crematorium.

Can a Funeral Director Help With the Arrangements?

Ask which booking, transport and coordination services the provider offers. Confirm the scope and price in writing.

Can We Include Prayers or a Short Farewell?

Discuss the request with the provider and religious representative. Check the location’s conditions and the time available before finalising the programme.

Ask About Ash-Scattering Arrangements

Singapore Funeral Committee can discuss your family’s preferences and explain the assistance available.

For sea-scattering enquiries, visit our sea burial and ash-scattering service page.

For assistance, call +65 9844 8444 or WhatsApp our funeral team.