Direct cremation in Singapore: what it is and who it suits

Not every family wants or needs a wake. Some prefer something quieter and simpler. Direct cremation is one way to do this, and more families in Singapore are asking about it.

This guide explains what direct cremation means, what it usually includes, who it may suit, and what you can do with the ashes afterwards.

What direct cremation means

Direct cremation is a cremation without a traditional wake. The person who has died is cared for by the funeral director, the paperwork is completed, and they are then taken to the crematorium.

There is no multi-day gathering at a void deck or parlour hall. Some families choose no ceremony at all. Others arrange a very short farewell, perhaps a few minutes with the casket at the funeral home or a brief moment at the crematorium before the cremation takes place.

Choosing direct cremation does not mean choosing no goodbye. It simply separates the practical steps from the remembering, which can happen later and in whatever way suits you.

What is usually included

Packages differ between funeral directors, so always ask for a written list. A direct cremation package typically covers:

• Collecting the person who has died from the hospital, home or other place of death
• Care of the body until the cremation
• A simple casket
• Applying for the cremation permit and booking the cremation slot
• Transport to the crematorium
• Help with collecting the ashes and a basic urn

Things that are often extra include embalming, a longer viewing, religious rites, flowers, a better casket or urn, and arranging a columbarium niche or ash scattering. Prices vary between providers, so it is worth comparing a few quotes and asking what is and is not included.

The permit and the crematorium booking

In Singapore, a Permit to Cremate is needed before a cremation can be booked. NEA says the permit can be applied for online through the NEA ePortal, in person at the service counter, or with help from your funeral director. The application needs a death certificate (or another accepted confirmation of death) and proof of the applicant’s identity.

Once the permit is approved, a cremation slot can be booked through the ePortal, by phone or in person. The government crematoria are at Mandai:

• Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex, 300 Mandai Road
• Mandai North Crematorium, 30 Mandai Avenue

At the time of writing, NEA lists the cremation fee at government crematoria as $100 for an adult and $50 for a child under 10. There are also private crematoria run by religious organisations, which set their own fees. Your funeral director will normally handle the permit and booking for you, and the government fee is usually built into the package price.

Who direct cremation suits

Direct cremation is a personal choice. Families choose it for many reasons:

• Small families. If there are only a few close relatives, a multi-day wake may not feel necessary.
• Family living abroad. When children or siblings live overseas, a wake may not be possible to attend at short notice. A memorial can be held later when everyone can travel.
• The person’s own wishes. Some people ask for a simple, private farewell, without fuss.
• Cost. Without hall hire, setup, catering and several days of staffing, direct cremation usually costs less than a full funeral with a wake.
• Religious or personal outlook. Some families do not follow traditions that call for a wake, or would rather gather in a different way.

If you are unsure, it may help to talk it through with family first. Some people find they want a short viewing even if they skip the wake, and most directors can arrange this.

Holding a memorial later

A memorial service can be held days, weeks or even months after the cremation. It can be at a place of worship, a restaurant, a family home, a community space or online so that relatives abroad can join.

This can take some pressure off the first few days. Instead of planning a wake in a hurry, you have time to gather photos, invite people and decide what you would like to say.

What happens to the ashes

After the cremation, the ashes are collected by the family or the funeral director. There are several options.

A columbarium niche

NEA manages three government columbaria, at Choa Chu Kang, Mandai and Yishun. New niches are currently available at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai. There are also private columbaria, including many at temples, churches and other religious sites. A niche gives family members a fixed place to visit.

Inland ash scattering

NEA runs two inland ash scattering gardens where families can scatter ashes in designated lanes:

• Garden of Peace at Choa Chu Kang, with entrances along Old Choa Chu Kang Road and Cemetery South Street 18
• Garden of Serenity at Mandai North Crematorium

NEA describes the Garden of Peace as a secular facility open to all faiths. Religious rites such as burning joss sticks and food offerings are not allowed inside the garden, though a prayer facility near the North Gate can be used for simple rites. Bookings are made through the NEA ePortal.

Scattering at sea

Many families choose to scatter ashes at sea. This is done at a designated area off Singapore’s southern coast, and funeral directors or boat operators usually arrange the trip. Ask your director about the current rules and what the service includes.

Keeping the ashes

Some families keep the urn at home, at least for a while, before deciding on a final resting place.

Next steps

If direct cremation feels right for your family, a funeral director can explain what they offer and handle the permit and booking for you. You can find a funeral director and ask for a clear, itemised quote. If a death has just happened, our guide to the first steps explains what to do in the first few hours and days.