Funeral Guide

What to do, step by step

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Cremation Services in Singapore

How To Prepare For A Funeral

When Death Happens

5 Things You Need To Know When Attending A Funeral Wake

Things To Avoid after A Funeral (Buddhist/ Taoist)

Cremation Services in Singapore

Cremation Services in Singapore (2026 Guide) Cremation continues to be the preferred afterlife option in Singapore, chosen by the majority of families due to cultural, religious, and land-use considerations.

As of 2026, there are two cremation centres available for public use—a major government-owned facility in Mandai and one private cremation centre operated by a Buddhist temple.

With Singapore’s ageing population and a rising demand for funeral and afterlife services, capacity planning has been a national priority. This guide provides updated details on locations, fees, booking processes, and how families can prepare for the cremation day.

Overview of Cremation Centres in Singapore

1

Government Cremation Complex

  • Mandai Crematorium
  • Mandai North Crematorium (new extension)
2

Private Cremation Centre

A second private facility, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS), is undergoing renovation and remains closed until further notice. Until re-opening, Tze Toh Aum Temple is the only operational private cremation centre.

  • Tze Toh Aum Temple Cremation Centre

Government-Owned Cremation Centres

Mandai Crematorium & Mandai North Crematorium

Mandai continues to be Singapore’s main cremation hub. It houses two facilities side-by-side with modern infrastructure and ample capacity to meet national demand.

Mandai Crematorium

  • 4 service halls
  • 12 cremators

Mandai North Crematorium

  • 6 service halls
  • 18 cremators
  • State-of-the-art layout designed to reduce waiting and improve visitor comfort.

Private Cremation Centre

1

Tze Toh Aum Temple Cremation Centre

This private cremation centre is located in the Sin Ming area and is managed by a long-established Buddhist temple. It provides a more traditional environment, with monastery staff performing prayer rites as part of the cremation service.

  • $436 (inclusive of GST)
  • Fee includes: Cremation
  • Standard prayer services
  • Incense and food offerings
2

Which Cremation Centre Should Families Choose?

Mandai / Mandai North Crematorium

  • Lower fees Flexible timing
  • Neutral setting suitable for all religions
  • Larger capacity and shorter waiting time
  • Proximity to Mandai Columbarium for final placement of ashes

What to Do When Someone Passes Away

When a loved one passes away, it is important to notify the relevant parties as soon as possible. The steps involved will vary depending on whether the death occurred at home, in a hospital, or overseas.

1

Certification of Death

A doctor must first confirm and certify the cause of death.

  • If the cause of death is known and due to natural causes , the doctor will certify the death online and submit the details to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) .
  • We can assist in engaging a doctor to certify the cause of death if required.
2

If the Cause of Death Is Unknown or Unnatural

Further investigation will be required to determine the cause of death.

  • The doctor will notify the police and report the case to a coroner.
  • The police will arrange for the deceased to be transferred to Mortuary@HSA for investigation.
3

If the Death Occurred in a Hospital

  • Inform the attending doctor or ward nurse immediately.
  • If the cause of death is known and natural, the hospital will certify the death online and submit the details to ICA.
4

If the Death Occurred at Home

  • If the deceased was elderly, ill, or recently under medical care, contact the attending doctor first, as they may be able to verify the cause of death.
  • Otherwise, contact your family doctor or a nearby GP to request a house call.
  • If no doctor is available, you may call our 24-hour hotline at 1800 800 1818 , and we will assist in linking you with a doctor on duty.
5

If the Death Occurred Overseas

  • Register the death with the local authorities in the country where the death occurred.
  • Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission for assistance with death registration and repatriation of remains to Singapore.
  • Further guidance is available on procedures for deaths occurring overseas.
6

Obtaining the Death Document Number

After certification, you will receive a printout or screenshot containing:

  • Death document number
  • Deceased’s identification number (used during certification)
  • Date of death
7

We Are Here to Help

In any situation, please remain calm. If you need immediate assistance, call us at 1800 800 1818 (24 hours).

Funeral Wake Etiquette in Singapore

1. Dress Appropriately

Wear simple, dark-coloured clothing. For women, avoid revealing attire such as miniskirts or shorts. Dressing modestly reflects respect for the occasion and the family.

2. Pay Your Respects First

Upon arrival, identify yourself to ensure you are at the correct wake. Approach the memorial table to pay your respects:

  • If offering incense: Light a single stick and place it in the censer, then bow three times respectfully.
  • If not using incense: Pause for a moment of silence and silently offer your well wishes to the deceased.

Post-Funeral Observances in Chinese Buddhist and Taoist Traditions in Singapore

In Chinese Buddhist and Taoist traditions, families observe certain post-funeral practices passed down through generations. These are not based on superstition, but on social etiquette and respect for the deceased and those around you.

We have consolidated guidance from cultural masters and adapted it for modern-day Singapore.

During the Wake Period

  • Avoid trimming nails or hair: These are gifts from your parents. Wait until after the funeral to visit a salon.
  • Refrain from entertainment: Focus on supporting the bereaved family.
  • Be present at the wake: Attend to guests and assist family members whenever possible.
  • Mindfulness outside: When running errands, remain respectful of the mourning atmosphere.

Married daughters, sons-in-law, and maternal grandchildren may resume normal activities after the funeral.

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From the first call to the final send-off, one team arranges everything with care, so your family is free to grieve and to be present.

Guidance for families

Frequently asked questions

1. What Clothing Should We Prepare?

Prepare a presentable set of clothing for the deceased’s final service. This may include a suit or dress worn during an important life event. The full set should consist of: Outer clothing (suit / dress). Undergarments. Socks and shoes. Any personal accessories (if applicable) Important: If the passing occurs in a hospital, keep this set of clothing in your car or at the hospital. After cleansing, the nurse will change the deceased into the final outfit before discharge. If the passing occurs at home, you may hand the clothing to our funeral directors, who will dress the deceased after the professional cleansing service.

2. Which Photograph Should We Choose?

Select one clear and dignified photograph to be enlarged and displayed during the wake. Our funeral directors can assist with photo enhancement or light Photoshop editing to ensure a respectful presentation.

3. Where Should the Family Hold the Wake?

Families in Singapore generally choose from three wake venue options: HDB Void Deck – Suitable for families residing in HDB flats. Funeral Parlour – Ideal for families living in private properties or those who prefer a private setting. Direct Cremation – For families who do not wish to hold a wake service You may read more about these options on our Casket Services in Singapore page.

4. What Is the Preferred Religious Service?

Religious rites play an important role in funeral services. If the deceased experienced a change in religion in their final days, the family should discuss and decide on the preferred religious rites to be conducted.

5. Where Should the Burial or Cremation Be Conducted?

Ground Burial In Singapore, ground burial is only available at Chua Chu Kang Cemetery Complex. Burial sections are allocated according to religion Cremation Mandai Government Crematorium – Available for all religions. Tse Toh Aum Temple – Available for Buddhist and Taoist cremations Please note: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Temple) is currently closed for upgrading works.

6. Where Should We Keep the Ashes?

Ashes may be stored at: Government-Managed Columbaria Mandai Columbarium. Chua Chu Kang Columbarium Our funeral directors can assist with niche application and purchase . Private Columbarium Options Buddhist temples (e.g. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, when reopened). Churches such as the Garden of Remembrance. Woodlands Memorial Park – A highly recommended option with: Dedicated columbaria for different religions. Air-conditioned prayer halls. Ample parking facilities Our funeral directors will guide and assist you through every step of the process, ensuring peace of mind during this difficult time. Call Us.

We answer your call at any hour, day or night.

If you are facing a loss today, please do not navigate it alone. Reach us any time for calm, obligation-free guidance and a caring hand through every step.