Choa Chu Kang Cemetery: a guide for families

Choa Chu Kang Cemetery in the west of Singapore opened in 1946 and is the only cemetery in Singapore that still takes new burials. It has separate sections for different faiths. The same complex also holds the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, the Choa Chu Kang Crematorium (where cremated remains are processed into fine ashes) and the Garden of Peace, where families can scatter ashes.

Where it is and how to get there

The cemetery office is at 940 Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Singapore 698910. The columbarium is inside the same complex at 51 Chinese Cemetery Path 4.

The grounds are large, so check the section and block before you go. NEA publishes a map at go.gov.sg/cckcmap.

By bus: Lim Chu Kang Road was realigned in 2025 to meet Old Choa Chu Kang Road at a new junction, and NEA notes that bus services 172, 405 and 975 were rerouted with new and relocated stops. NEA listed 405 as running only during the Qing Ming peak period in 2026. Check the MyTransport.SG app for current routes before you travel.

By car: Drive slowly and park only in designated areas, since visitors walk along the cemetery roads. The columbarium has carparks at the front.

Booking a burial

Most families leave this to their funeral director, but the steps are:

1. Get a Permit to Bury. Your funeral director can apply for this once the death is registered.
2. Book the burial. Bookings are made by phone or in person at the cemetery service counters, Monday to Sunday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (closed 1pm to 2pm).
3. Bring the documents. NEA asks for the digital death certificate (or another accepted confirmation of death), the Permit to Bury, identification for the next-of-kin and applicant, and a letter of authorisation if the applicant is not next-of-kin.
4. Pay on the day of burial at the counter, by NETS, cash card or credit card.

Plots cannot be reserved or chosen. They are allocated in sequence on the day of the burial.

Who can be buried in Singapore

Burial is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. A foreigner can be buried here only if a parent, spouse or child is a citizen or permanent resident, and NEA’s written permission is needed first.

Burial fees

At the time of writing, NEA’s fees for a citizen or permanent resident are:

• Most sections: $940 for adults and children aged 10 and above, $420 for children under 10.
• Muslim, Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Jewish, Parsi and Bahai sections: $315 for ages 10 and above, $140 for under 10.
• Deceased who is not a citizen or PR: $1,880, or $940 for a child under 10.

These cover the plot only; the funeral director’s package and tombstone are separate.

The 15-year burial rule

Since 1 November 1998, every grave at Choa Chu Kang has a 15-year lease. When it ends, NEA may exhume the grave. Where the religion allows cremation, the remains are cremated and placed in a columbarium niche. Where burial is required, they are re-buried in a smaller plot. NEA gives a free standard niche in a government columbarium for each claimed grave exhumed under its programme.

At the time of writing, Phase 9 (Chinese Cemetery) and Phase 10 (Muslim Cemetery) are under way, and from 1 August 2026 the Phase 9 graves are hoarded off for safety. If a family grave may be affected, check NEA’s exhumation page.

In 2007 NEA introduced the Crypt Burial System, where each plot is a concrete crypt laid out in a grid. This stops graves shifting and makes them easier to reach.

Tombstones and grave upkeep

Only the original burial applicant, or someone they authorise in writing, can apply to put up a tombstone. The design needs NEA approval and the work must be done by an NEA-registered contractor. The family is responsible for looking after the tombstone. In the lawn cemetery, only a flat name plaque is allowed.

NEA cuts the grass in common areas but not on individual graves. If someone asks to be paid for “maintaining” a grave you did not arrange, do not pay; NEA does not regulate them. You can report touting or harassment to the police or NEA on 6225 5632.

Visiting the cemetery

• Go in daylight and avoid visiting during or just after heavy rain.
• Wear shoes with good grip and bring an umbrella or hat. Paths can be uneven.
• Burn joss paper only in the metal burners provided, and take perishable offerings home afterwards.
• Move slowly away from wild dogs or wild boars.
• Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
• Do not offer cash or gifts to staff.

Qing Ming

The weeks before Qing Ming are the busiest time of year. For 2026, NEA opened the cemetery and columbarium 24 hours a day from 21 March to 19 April, ran free shuttle buses from Yew Tee MRT on peak days, and required drivers to book a parking e-appointment at the columbarium. NEA encouraged visitors to come outside the peak weekend days. Check NEA’s advisory for the current year before you plan your visit.

Related guides

Still deciding? Read cremation or burial in Singapore, or see our guides to Mandai Crematorium and columbaria in Singapore. To arrange the permit and booking, find a funeral director.