Sep 18, 2025

Where Can I Scatter Ashes in Singapore?

After cremation, families have several options for managing the cremated remains of a loved one. If you are wondering where to scatter ashes in Singapore, the main designated options are sea ash scattering and inland ash scattering at one of Singapore’s government-managed gardens.

Families may also choose not to scatter the ashes. Other options include placing them in a columbarium niche, keeping them at home or transporting them overseas where applicable.

This guide explains the approved sea-scattering location, Garden of Peace, Garden of Serenity, booking requirements, current operating hours and the main considerations families should understand before making a decision.

Quick Guide to Ash Options in Singapore

1. Scattering Ashes at Sea in Singapore

Singapore has a designated maritime area where cremated ashes may be scattered at sea.

The approved sea ash-scattering site is located approximately 3.2 km east of Raffles Lighthouse.

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

Families normally require a suitable vessel to reach the approved location.

The boat departure point, passenger capacity and journey duration depend on the vessel operator and arrangement selected.

Do Families Need a Boat for Sea Ash Scattering?

Yes. Suitable marine transportation is generally required to reach the designated maritime ash-scattering location.

Families should confirm:

• The boat departure point
• Passenger capacity
• Departure and return times
• Journey duration
• Accessibility requirements
• Weather-related postponement arrangements

A funeral director can assist families with practical coordination and suitable boat arrangements.

For the full process, read our Sea Burial Singapore: Rules, Process & Ash Scattering Guide.

Can We Have a Ceremony at Sea?

Families may choose to have an appropriate farewell before scattering the ashes.

Depending on the family’s wishes and beliefs, this may include:

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

Specific religious requirements should be discussed with the family’s chosen religious representative.

Can We Scatter Flowers at Sea?

Families should discuss any flowers or ceremonial items with their funeral director or vessel operator beforehand.

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

Families should avoid throwing plastic wrapping, artificial flowers or containers into the water.

2. Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang

Garden of Peace is Singapore’s first dedicated inland ash-scattering facility.

It is located within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and provides designated lanes where families can respectfully scatter fine cremated human ashes.

The landscaped environment includes trees and hedges between scattering lanes to provide families with privacy during the ash-scattering process.

Where Is Garden of Peace?

Garden of Peace is located within the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery complex.

Families who have made a confirmed booking should check their appointment information and current NEA directions before travelling.

3. Garden of Serenity at Mandai North

Garden of Serenity is Singapore’s second government-managed inland ash-scattering facility.

It commenced operations in August 2025 and is located at Mandai North Crematorium.

The facility provides families with another land-based alternative to sea ash scattering or placement of cremated remains in a columbarium niche.

Garden of Serenity is accessible on foot from the Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium area.

Where Is Garden of Serenity?

Garden of Serenity is located at Mandai North Crematorium.

NEA states that its entrances are located near the open carpark at Mandai North Crematorium and opposite Service Hall 7.

Families should confirm their appointment and current access arrangements before travelling.

Opening Hours for Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity

NEA currently lists both inland ash-scattering gardens as operating from 9am to 5.30pm daily, except on days when the facilities are closed for maintenance.

Operational arrangements can change, so families should check current NEA information before attending.

Do Inland Ash-Scattering Gardens Require Booking?

Yes. Inland ash scattering is available by booking.

Bookings can currently be made through the NEA ePortal or in person at the applicable service counters.

Families should complete the required application and prepare the identification documents requested by NEA.

How Much Does Inland Ash Scattering Cost?

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

Government fees can change, so families should confirm the latest amount when making the booking.

What Type of Ashes Can Be Scattered at the Gardens?

NEA specifies that only fine human ashes are to be scattered in the designated inland ash-scattering gardens.

Where cremated remains contain larger bone fragments, families may need to arrange for the remains to be processed into fine ashes before the scheduled scattering session.

Families should confirm the applicable preparation process before attending.

Are Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity Religious Facilities?

The inland ash-scattering gardens are designed as secular facilities.

Families from different religious backgrounds may use the designated facilities, subject to the applicable rules and booking requirements.

If the family would like to conduct religious prayers or rites, they should confirm where those observances may take place and discuss the arrangements with their religious representative.

Sea Scattering vs Garden Scattering

The most obvious difference is the setting.

Sea scattering takes place at an approved maritime location and requires a boat journey.

Garden scattering takes place on land within a designated landscaped facility.

Families may wish to consider:

• Mobility and accessibility requirements
• The number of relatives attending
• Weather and sea conditions
• Religious preferences
• The deceased’s wishes
• Whether the family prefers a sea or garden environment
• Boat costs compared with the inland ash-scattering booking fee

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

Can We Scatter Ashes Anywhere in Singapore?

Families should use the designated ash-scattering arrangements and follow current government guidance rather than choosing an arbitrary public location.

For sea scattering, Singapore has a designated maritime ash-scattering site.

For inland scattering, NEA manages Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity.

Families should not assume that beaches, parks, reservoirs, public gardens or other public spaces may be used for ash scattering simply because they are accessible to the public.

Can Ashes Be Scattered at a Beach?

Families should not simply choose a public beach for ash scattering.

Singapore provides designated options specifically intended for the respectful scattering of cremated human ashes.

Families who prefer a sea setting should use the approved maritime ash-scattering arrangement.

Can Ashes Be Scattered at a Park?

Families should use Singapore’s designated inland ash-scattering facilities rather than assuming that a normal public park or garden can be used.

Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity were created specifically for inland ash scattering.

Can Ashes Be Scattered at Mandai?

Yes, through the designated Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium.

A confirmed inland ash-scattering booking is required.

This is different from scattering ashes elsewhere around the Mandai Crematorium or Columbarium grounds.

Can Ashes Be Scattered at Choa Chu Kang?

Yes, through the designated Garden of Peace within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.

Families should make the required booking rather than scattering ashes elsewhere within the cemetery complex.

What if We Do Not Want to Scatter the Ashes?

Ash scattering is only one option after cremation.

Families may instead consider:

• Placement in a government-managed columbarium
• Placement in a private columbarium
• Keeping the cremated ashes at home
• Transportation of the ashes overseas

The appropriate option depends on family preferences, religious practices, the wishes of the deceased and practical circumstances.

Keeping Cremated Ashes at Home

NEA lists storage at home as one of the available ash-management options after cremation.

Families who are uncertain about permanent scattering may prefer to keep the ashes while they consider the available arrangements.

Religious families should also consider whether their faith has particular guidance on where cremated remains should be kept.

Placing Ashes in a Columbarium

A columbarium provides a permanent niche for the cremated remains.

This may suit families who would like a specific physical location where relatives can visit and pay respects.

Singapore has government-managed and private columbaria.

Families should compare availability, location, fees and religious preferences before making arrangements.

Can Cremated Ashes Be Taken Overseas?

Some families choose to transport cremated remains overseas for a final resting place or ash-scattering ceremony.

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

Families should check documentation, customs, airline and destination-country requirements before travelling.

Religious Considerations Before Scattering Ashes

Different religions and traditions may have different teachings regarding cremated remains.

Families should not assume that every legally available ash-management option is appropriate for every religion.

For example, religious guidance may affect whether ashes should be scattered, kept together or placed in a designated resting place.

Where religious requirements are important, families should seek guidance from their priest, pastor, monk, temple representative or other appropriate religious representative.

What Should Families Consider Before Scattering Ashes?

Before making a permanent decision, families may wish to discuss:

• The wishes of the deceased
• Religious or cultural requirements
• Whether relatives want a permanent physical resting place
• Accessibility for family members attending
• Sea travel and weather considerations
• Booking requirements
• Costs
• Whether relatives live overseas
• How the family would like to remember the deceased in future

Once ashes have been scattered, the decision cannot be reversed, so families should be comfortable with the arrangement before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ash Scattering in Singapore

Where can ashes legally be scattered in Singapore?

Singapore provides a designated sea ash-scattering site and two NEA-managed inland ash-scattering gardens: Garden of Peace and Garden of Serenity.

Where is the approved sea-scattering site?

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

What are the sea ash-scattering hours?

Ash scattering at the designated maritime location can currently be conducted between 7am and 7pm daily.

Where is Garden of Peace?

Garden of Peace is located within Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.

Where is Garden of Serenity?

Garden of Serenity is located at Mandai North Crematorium.

What are the inland ash-scattering opening hours?

NEA currently lists both gardens as operating from 9am to 5.30pm daily, except on maintenance closure days.

How much does inland ash scattering cost?

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

Do I need a booking for Garden of Serenity?

Yes. A booking through the applicable NEA process is required.

Do I need a booking for Garden of Peace?

Yes. Inland ash scattering at Garden of Peace also requires a booking.

Can I scatter ashes anywhere at Mandai?

No. Families wishing to use an inland ash-scattering facility at Mandai should use the designated Garden of Serenity and follow the applicable booking arrangements.

Can ashes be kept at home?

Yes. Keeping cremated ashes at home is one of the ash-management options listed by NEA.

Sea Burial and Ash-Scattering Assistance Singapore

Families considering sea ash scattering can view our Sea Burial Singapore service page.

Singapore Funeral Committee can assist with practical arrangements such as coordination of cremated ashes, boat arrangements, family attendance and post-cremation planning.

Families comparing sea scattering and inland scattering can also read our Sea Burial vs Garden Scattering Singapore guide.

24/7 Funeral Assistance Singapore

Families who are uncertain what to do with cremated ashes can speak with our funeral team about sea burial, inland ash scattering, columbarium arrangements and other post-cremation options.

For funeral or ash-scattering assistance in Singapore, call or WhatsApp Singapore Funeral Committee at +65 9844 8444.