Where Can I Scatter Ashes in Singapore?
After cremation, families in Singapore have several options for the cremated ashes of a loved one. These include scattering ashes at the approved sea-scattering site, using one of Singapore’s designated inland ash-scattering gardens, placing the ashes in a columbarium niche or keeping the ashes at home.
If your family is considering where to scatter ashes in Singapore, it is important to understand the current government-managed options and their booking requirements.
1. Scattering Ashes at Sea in Singapore
Ashes may be scattered at sea within an approved site designated for this purpose.
Current Singapore government guidance states that the approved sea-scattering site is located approximately 3.2 km east of Raffles Lighthouse.
Ash scattering at this site may be carried out daily between 7am and 7pm.
Families generally require a suitable vessel to travel to the approved area. A funeral director can assist with boat arrangements and practical coordination for the sea burial.
Families should also avoid placing plastics, synthetic materials or other inappropriate items into the sea during the ash-scattering ceremony.
For professional arrangements, see our Sea Burial Singapore service.
2. Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang
The Garden of Peace is Singapore’s first government-managed inland ash-scattering facility.
It is located within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and provides designated landscaped lanes where families can respectfully scatter fine cremated ashes.
The garden is designed as a secular facility and is open to families of different religious backgrounds.
3. Garden of Serenity at Mandai North
The Garden of Serenity is Singapore’s second inland ash-scattering facility.
It opened in August 2025 and is located at Mandai North Crematorium.
Like the Garden of Peace, it provides designated landscaped lanes where families can participate in the scattering of fine cremated ashes in a quiet garden environment.
Families attending Mandai North may find this option convenient when considering arrangements for the ashes after cremation.
For more information about the location, see our Mandai North Crematorium Guide.
Do You Need to Book Inland Ash Scattering?
Yes. Inland ash scattering at the Garden of Peace or Garden of Serenity requires a booking.
Bookings can be made through the NEA ePortal or in person at the relevant NEA service counters.
Current NEA information lists a booking fee of $320 for the inland ash-scattering service.
Families should check the current fee and available session before making arrangements, as government fees and procedures can change.
Opening Hours for the Inland Ash-Scattering Gardens
NEA currently states that the Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity are open from 9am to 5.30pm daily, except on days when the facilities are closed for maintenance.
Families should always check their confirmed booking before travelling.
What Type of Ashes Can Be Scattered?
Only fine cremated ashes are to be scattered in the designated inland ash-scattering gardens.
If the cremated remains have not yet been processed into fine ashes, families should check the available ash-processing arrangements before the booked scattering session.
Are Religious Ceremonies Allowed at the Inland Gardens?
The inland ash-scattering gardens are designed as secular facilities.
To maintain the environment of the gardens, NEA places restrictions on certain religious ceremonies and activities within the designated scattering areas.
For example, activities such as burning joss sticks, placing food offerings and playing musical instruments or music are not permitted within the Garden of Peace scattering area.
Families with religious or cultural requirements should check the current arrangements with NEA or their funeral director before the scattering session.
What Happens to the Ashes After Inland Scattering?
The fine ashes are scattered along designated lanes within the gardens.
As ash accumulates over time, NEA carries out periodic ash-soil transfer works so that the scattering lanes can continue to be used.
NEA states that ash soil from both the Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity may eventually be respectfully transferred to a designated location within the Garden of Peace.
Can I Keep the Ashes at Home?
Yes. Ash scattering is not the only option available to families.
Singapore government guidance also recognises keeping cremated ashes at home or storing them in a columbarium niche as options for managing cremated remains.
Read our Can I Keep Ashes at Home in Singapore? guide for more information.
Can Ashes Be Placed in a Columbarium?
Families may also choose to place cremated remains in an urn and keep them in a columbarium niche.
Government and private columbarium options are available in Singapore, and the procedures and fees vary according to the facility selected.
Which Ash-Scattering Option Should a Family Choose?
There is no single option that is suitable for every family.
Families may consider:
- The wishes of the deceased
- Religious and cultural preferences
- Whether relatives would prefer sea or land scattering
- Accessibility for elderly family members
- Whether the family would like a permanent niche to visit
- The availability of the selected scattering service
- The costs involved
A funeral director can explain the practical differences so the family can decide which arrangement is most suitable.
Official NEA Information
For current information about inland ash scattering, visit the National Environment Agency Inland Ash Scattering Facilities page.
Families can also refer to the NEA Burial, Cremation and Ash Management guide for current government information.
24/7 Funeral and Ash-Scattering Assistance
Singapore Funeral Committee assists families with cremation, sea burial, ash collection and post-funeral arrangements in Singapore.
If your family is unsure whether to choose sea scattering, inland ash scattering or another option, our funeral team can explain the available arrangements.
Call or WhatsApp Singapore Funeral Committee at 9844 8444 for 24/7 assistance.
