Author Archives: jason

Hi, I’m Jason, an experienced SEO freelancer and digital marketer dedicated to helping businesses grow their online presence. I specialise in crafting tailored SEO strategies, creating engaging, keyword-rich content, and optimising websites to improve visibility and drive results. With a deep understanding of industry-specific needs, I’ve successfully managed SEO campaigns for niches like funeral services, connecting businesses with their target audience effectively. My expertise extends beyond SEO to consulting on digital marketing strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. When I’m not optimising websites or brainstorming content ideas, I enjoy exploring innovative marketing techniques and spending time with my family in Singapore. 📩 Let’s connect! LinkedIn https://sg.linkedin.com/in/sohjianhui Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can assist your business with SEO, digital marketing, or content creation!

What is a Columbarium: A Comprehensive Guide

A columbarium is a special place where more than half of people don’t know about. It’s like a small building in a cemetery or crematorium where urns with ashes are kept. Families can visit to remember their loved ones in a peaceful and respectful way.

Exploring the world of columbariums unveils a lesser-known aspect of memorialization that offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Let’s delve into this intriguing niche to understand its significance and how it provides a meaningful way to cherish memories.

Key Takeaways

  • Explore Different Types: Understand the various options available when choosing a columbarium, such as indoor, outdoor, or niche-specific designs.
  • Plan Financially: Consider the costs associated with columbariums, including initial fees, maintenance expenses, and any additional services to make an informed decision.
  • Personalize Your Choice: Select a columbarium that aligns with your preferences, whether it’s a serene garden setting or a modern indoor facility.
  • Consult with Loved Ones: Involve family members or close friends in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen columbarium meets everyone’s needs and expectations.
  • Visit Potential Sites: Take the time to visit different columbarium locations to get a feel for the atmosphere, amenities, and overall suitability before making a final selection.
  • Plan Ahead: Start planning early and make arrangements in advance to secure a spot in a preferred columbarium and alleviate any future stress for loved ones.

Understanding Columbariums

Definition

Columbariums are structures designed to store cremated remains in small compartments known as niches. These niches can be individual or shared among family members, providing a respectful final resting place.

Origin of the Term

The term “columbarium” originates from the Latin word “columba,” meaning dove. This is due to the resemblance of ancient Roman columbaria to dovecotes, where niches were stacked like birdholes.

Modern Types

Modern columbaria come in various shapes and sizes, including columbarium gardens, walls, and entire buildings dedicated to housing cremated remains. These structures can be found in cemeteries, churches, and standalone facilities worldwide.

Global Presence

From front columbariums in Asia to elaborate columbarium monuments in Europe, these structures serve as burial spaces for cremated remains in diverse cultural contexts. Columbaria can also be found inside mausoleums, offering a combination of traditional burial practices with modern cremation options.

Exploring Options for Ashes

Columbaria are special places where families can keep the ashes of their loved ones after they have been cremated. These places offer different storage options, such as cremation niches and urns, for holding the remains. A cremation niche is like a small compartment where the ashes are placed, while an urn is a container designed to hold the ashes securely. The act of placing ashes in a columbarium carries great cultural and religious importance for many people and communities. It serves as a way to honor and remember their ancestors in a sacred and respectful manner. In some cultures, it is believed that keeping the remains in a columbarium helps in preserving the memory and legacy of the deceased for generations to come. Moreover, columbaria are often designed with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings to provide a tranquil space for families to visit and pay their respects. Some columbaria also offer additional services, such as memorial plaques or inscriptions, to personalize the space dedicated to each individual. Overall, columbaria play a significant role in providing a peaceful resting place for the departed while allowing families to continue cherishing their memories in a meaningful way.

International Examples

  • In Japan, columbaria often feature pigeon holes for urns, symbolizing peace and tranquility.
  • Singapore’s columbaria incorporate technological advancements, such as digital niches, for efficient management of remains.

Cost Considerations

Types

When considering the cost of a columbarium, it’s essential to look at the types available. Free-standing units are usually less expensive than those located within buildings.

Additional Fees

Apart from the base cost, there might be additional fees associated with choosing a columbarium. These could include maintenance fees, inscription costs, or charges for additional services like flower arrangements.

Services

When selecting a columbarium, it’s crucial to inquire about services offered. Some facilities provide example services such as regular cleaning, floral arrangements, or online booking systems for visitation schedules.

Choosing a Columbarium

Location Considerations

When selecting a columbarium, consider the location carefully. Accessibility is crucial; choose a site that is easily reachable by family and friends. Cultural relevance is another key factor to think about. Ensure the location aligns with any cultural practices or beliefs.

Religious and Cultural Requirements

Understanding any religious or cultural requirements is essential when choosing a columbarium. Different cultures have varying practices regarding burial and cremation. Ensure the columbarium you select respects and accommodates these needs.

Tips for Selection

  • Look for a modern columbarium with distinctive designs.
  • Consider an indoor columbarium for added privacy and protection.
  • Opt for a family columbarium niche if you desire a shared space.
  • Explore different columbarium burial services costs to find the right fit for your budget.

Summary

Now that you understand columbariums, have explored options for ashes, considered costs, and learned how to choose a columbarium, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision. Remember, the choice you make reflects your respect and love for your departed loved ones. Ensure the final resting place is a true reflection of the memories and honor you wish to preserve.

Make sure to take your time and consider all aspects carefully before making a decision. Your loved one deserves a peaceful and respectful final resting place that aligns with your wishes and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a structure specially designed to store cremated remains, often in individual compartments called niches. It provides a dignified and respectful place for families to memorialize their loved ones.

How do I choose the right columbarium?

Consider factors like location, size of niches, available amenities, and pricing options. Visiting different columbariums, asking questions, and reading reviews can help you make an informed decision that suits your preferences and budget.

Are there different options for storing ashes in a columbarium?

Yes, columbariums offer various options such as niche walls, glass-front niches, outdoor gardens, and indoor mausoleums. Each option has its unique characteristics and benefits, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences and requirements.

What are the cost considerations when selecting a columbarium?

Costs for columbarium niches vary based on location, size, design, and additional services. It’s essential to inquire about all fees involved, including maintenance costs and any future expenses. Compare prices from different providers to find the best value for your budget.

Can I personalize a columbarium niche for my loved one?

Many columbariums allow for personalization through engraved plaques, decorations, or custom designs on the niche fronts. This customization adds a personal touch to honor the memory of your loved one and create a unique tribute within the columbarium setting.

Singapore Funeral Services – Crematorium, Columbarium and Cemeteries

Burial, Cremation & Ash Storage (Columbarium)

Mandai Government Crematorium

  • Cremation Fee – $100
  • Cremation Fee – Child below 10 years – $50
  • Above fees are payable to National Environment Agency

 

Choa Chu Kang Government Columbarium / Mandai Government Columbarium

  • Booking Fee of Single Niche (niche allocated by sequential basis) – $500
  • Booking Fee of Single Niche (niche selected by own choice) – $750
  • Booking Fee of Double Niche (niche allocated by sequential basis) – $900
  • Booking Fee of Double Niche (niche selected by own choice) – $1,150
  • Above fees are payable to National Environment Agency

 

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – Crematorium & Columbarium

  • Cremation Fee only – $321
  • Urn & Ash Storage at Monastery’s Columbarium – from $1,600. For more details, please contact the Monastery directly.
  • Above fees are payable to the Monastery

 

Tse Toh Aum Temple – Crematorium & Columbarium

  • Cremation Fee with urn and ash storage – $535
  • Includes porcelain urn placed together with other urns on shelves
  • Above fees are payable to the Temple

 

Sea Burial of Ash Remains

Some bereaved families may prefer the sea as the final resting place for the cremated ash remains of their departed loved ones, instead of a columbarium.

 

Burial FeesChoa Chu Kang Government Cemetery

  • Burial Booking Fee – Adult – $940
  • Burial Booking Fee – Child below 10 years – $420
  • Above fees are payable to National Environment Agency
  • With effect from 1 November 1998 , the burial period for all graves will be limited to 15 years. At the end of the 15 years, the graves will be exhumed. For those whose religion permits cremation, the exhumed remains will be cremated and stored in columbaria niches. Where compulsory burial is required due to religious reasons, the remains will be re-buried in smaller individual plots.

When Death Occurs

Where did the death occur?

Different procedures may apply depending on where and how a person passes away. Below information is sourced from the following government websites NEA and MFA to assist you on how to follow up

When death occurs at hospital or home

1. Obtain Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)

If the death occurred in hospital

1. The attending doctor is responsible for filling in the certificate of cause of death (CCOD).
2. Obtain the completed CCOD certificate from the ward nurse by producing the deceased’s NRIC.

 

If the death occurred at home
1. Call the family doctor or any neighborhood doctor for a house call to certify the cause of death.To find a GP or Family Clinic near you click on Singhealth.
2. The doctor will issue the CCOD certificate on the spot if he is able to identify the cause of death.

 

Unnatural deaths and autopsy
If the cause of death cannot be determined, the doctor will refer the deceased to the police.
If the death occurred in hospital, it will also be referred to the police if death was directly or indirectly caused by unnatural events, such as surgical complications or a fall before admission.
In both situations, the body will be sent to Mortuary@HSA (located at Block 9 of Singapore General Hospital) in a police hearse. The next of kin needs to go to the mortuary to identify the deceased’s body.

 

Mortuary@HSA Address
Mortuary @ HSA
Applied Sciences Group
Health Sciences Authority
Level 1, Blk 9, SGH,
Outram Rd Singapore 169608

 

Mortuary @HSA Operating Hours
Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Sat, Sun and Public Holidays – 8:00am to 12:30pm

 

What to Bring to Mortuary@HSA:
All medical documents relating to the deceased
All medicine consumed by the deceased
Identification papers of the deceased
Informant e.g. NRIC/Passport/Certificate of Registration of Birth/ FIN card

When death occurs at overseas

1. Inform MFA or the nearest Singapore Mission

If you find out about the overseas death of a relative or friend who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, you should immediately contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or the nearest Singapore mission.

 

MFA will help you do the following:
1. Contact the next of kin
2. Advise you on how to register the death in the foreign country
3. Provide you with a list of local undertakers
4. Advise you on the cost of a local burial/cremation, and the cost of shipping the remains and personal property back to Singapore
5. Help transfer money from family members and relatives in Singapore to pay for any costs
Click on MFA to obtain more information on Consular Services

2. Return the body to Singapore

a. Engage a Funeral Director for assistance
If you wish to bring the body back to Singapore for cremation or burial, you should engage a funeral director for assistance.

 

b. Apply a coffin (import) permit
If you wish to make the arrangements yourself, apply for a coffin (import) permit and a permit to cremate or bury from one of these offices:
Port Health Office:
+65-6222 2585
Airport Health Office:
+65-65432515
Permit fee is $10

 

You will need these documents:
The death certificate issued in the country of death (non-English documents must be accompanied by an English translation);
1. A cause of death certificate or a statutory declaration;
2. A sealing certificate for the coffin;
3. An embalming certificate (if applicable);
4. A coffin export permit from the country exporting the body; and
5. An air waybill or air consignment note (if importing by air).
Note: If the deceased is known to have suffered from HIV, you need to get written approval from the National Environment Agency’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department before you import the body

3. Register the overseas death with ICA

In person at ICA
The death will also have to be reported to Singapore’s Registry of Births & Deaths, Citizen Centre, 3rd Storey, ICA Building personally by the next-of-kin of the deceased. If the next-of-kin is unable to report the death personally at ICA Building, a letter of authorization will be required.
The Registry of Births and Death:
+65 6391 6100

 

Documents Required
1. Death Certificate issued by the foreign authorities (copy of English translation is required if the death certificate is in ethnic languages)
2. Coffin (Import/Export) permit
3. Permit to Bury/Cremate
4. Deceased’s Singapore identity card, passport, Citizenship Certificate (if any), and
5. Informant’s identification documents

2. Making the funeral arrangements

Upon the issuance of the Certificate of the Cause of Death, the family may contact a funeral
director to assist as follows:
(i) collection of the body from the hospital mortuary/home
(ii) send the body for embalming (if required), then dressing and making up the deceased
(iii) place the body into a casket selected by the family
(iv) deliver the body in the casket to the location of the wake

Choice of Wake Locations:

HDB Void Decks
You will need to get a permit from your Town Council.

 

Click on GOV – Town Councilto obtain Town council contact details.

 

Condominium / Private Apartments

Consult Condo Management For Funeral parlours

 

Landed property

If you need to use part of the road outside your house, you will need to get a permit from Land Transport Authority (LTA). Your funeral director will assist you on this.

 

For wakes more than 7 Days

Prior written permission will have to be sought from the National Environment Agency.
Write to:
National Environment Agency
Environmental Health Department
40 Scotts Road,
Environment Building, #21-00
Singapore 228231

 

Burial or Cremation

This must be decided before obtaining Death Certificate from the Police or Immigration Control Authorities (ICA)

 

Engage Funeral Director

Singapore Funeral & Casket Services Pte. Ltd.

(Helpline: +65 67423988)

3. The death must be registered with Police / ICA

Death must be registered with the Police or ICA before a death certificate can be issued by them

Note: The family must decide whether the body will be cremated or buried prior to registration of death, as this information is required at registration.

 

You can register the death at any  Police Divisional Headquarters or Neighborhood Police Centres and any Neighborhood Police Posts

 

Registration can be done same time with arrangement of funeral matter

 

The Registry of Births & Deaths @ ICA Building

3rd floor, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road S(208718)
Tel: 6391 6100
Working hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon – Fri) 8am – 1pm (Sat)

4. Finding the Final Resting Place – Cremation/Burial/Sea Burial

You can seek the assistance of your Funeral Director or do so yourself as follows:
Funeral directors can assist you with the booking of the date and time for cremation or burial.

 

You can also obtain information from the websites below:
Cremation Details : NEA – Cremation
Burial Details : NEA – Burial
Bookings can be done through phone, Eservices – NEA or at the relevant booking office.

 

Required documents for application:
Original Death Certificate, which contains the Permit to Bury/Cremate
NRIC / Passport of the applicant and next-of-kin
NEA -Letter of Authorisation (if applicant is not next-of-kin)

 

Cremation

Government Crematorium
Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex
Bookings can be made by:
Telephone: 6554 5655
NEA – Contact Us

In person:
300 Mandai Road Singapore 779393
Mondays to Sundays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Fax: 6459 5228

 

Private Crematorium
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
KMSPKS- Services Crematorium
Tel: 6849 5333
88 Bright Hill Drive Singapore 574117
Fax 64592258
Mon – Sun: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Cremation Fees as according to NEA website
$300 (cremation only)
$400*(cremation + urn storage)
*Price varies, depending on choice of urns and storage location
Tse Toh Aum Temple
Tel: 6454 7666
601 Sin Ming Drive Singapore 575719
Mon – Sun: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Cremation Fees as according to NEA website
$400 (cremation only)
$500*(cremation + urn storage)
*Price varies, depending on choice of urns and storage location

 

Columbaria – Ash Storage

Niche Fees (For all government columbaria)
Niche (Standard) – $500*
Niche (Family) – $900*
*Niches at government columbaria are allocated sequentially. There will be a $250 selection fee
should you wish to choose a different location from that allocated.

 

Government-Managed Columbaria
Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex
Telephone: 6554 5655
Eservices – NEA
In person:
300 Mandia Road Singapore 779393
Mondays to Sundays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Fax: 6459 5228

 

Choa Chu Kang Columbarium
Telephone: 6795 9731
In person:
51 Chinese Cemetry Path 4 Singapore 698932
Monday to Fridays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturdays 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Fax: 6795 0885
i) No advance booking of niches is allowed.
ii) Payment is to be made when the niche is confirmed.
iii) Documents Required:
Death Certificate (original)
Identification papers of next-of-kin e.g. NRIC, Passport etc in NEA
iv) Payment modes:
NETS (preferred)
Cash Card
Cash
Cheque (crossed and made payable to National Environment Agency)

 

Public Columbaria

NEA – Columbaria

 

Private Columbaria

The Beautiful Memories – Columbarium

 

Scattering the ashes at sea

Port Marine Safety Control Centre
6325 2488
Ashes may also be scattered at sea. The scattering of small amounts of ashes can be carried out at
the designated site located about 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) south of Pulau Semakau. The scattering
of ashes can be conducted daily, from 0700 hrs-1900 hours. For further information on scattering of
ashes, please call the Port Marine Safety Control Centre.

 

Burial

Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Booking Office
Choa Chu Kang Cemetary Complex is the only cemetery in Singapore still open for burials.
Bookings can be made:
Tel: 6793 7428
In person:
910 Choa Chu Kang Road Singapore 699819
Mondays to Sundays – 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
With effect from 1 November 1998 , the burial period for all graves will be limited to 15 years. At the end of the 15 years, the graves will be exhumed. For those whose religion permits cremation, the exhumed remains will be cremated and stored in columbaria niches. Where compulsory burial is required due to religious reasons, the remains will be re-buried in smaller individual plots.

 

Note:
With effect from 1 November 1998 , the burial period for all graves will be limited to 15 years. At the end of the 15 years, the graves will be exhumed. For those whose religion permits cremation, the exhumed remains will be cremated and stored in columbaria niches. Where compulsory burial is required due to religious reasons, the remains will be re-buried in smaller individual plots.

5. Administration follow up after funeral

Update to Banks, Insurance Companies & others on deceased status.
Managing the estate & inheritance

Need to inform the deceased person’s bank, especially for receipts and cheques deposited automatically, or if mortgage payments and other transactions (e.g. GIRO deductions) are carried out directly from the account

 

Insurance Companies

Inform the deceased person’s insurance companies and other institutions. Beneficiaries may receive payouts from insurance policies, credit, trade unions or fraternal organisations, etc.

 

Bills & Miscellaneous Items 

Check for any outstanding debts, such as credit-card bills. For bills where payment is made automatically via GIRO, inform the companies to cancel the GIRO. This is to prevent unnecessary interests charges due to non-payment
Where appropriate, contact the deceased person’s landlord, cancel utilities such as electricity and telephone connections, and other items such as safety deposit boxes etc. Give the post office a forwarding address for the deceased person’s mail.

 

Estate Duty

Estate Duty has been removed for deaths on and after 15 February 2008.

 

GOV – Estate Duty

How to Prepare for A Funeral Service in Singapore

Here are 5 important questions that you will need to discuss with your family before the start of the funeral service.

1. What clothing should we prepare?

Prepare a presentable set of clothing for the deceased’s final service – such as a suit/dress that he/she wore for any past event. This includes the undergarments, socks, shoes, and any other accessories.

2. Which photograph should we choose?

Decide on a couple photograph to be enlarged for the funeral service. Our funeral director can assist with any necessary photoshop editing.

3. What is the preferred religious service?

Religious service plays an important role during funerals. If there was a switch in religion during the deceased’s final days, family members must decide on the preferred religious rites for the funeral service. However, some personalize request can be arrange with us in advance.

4. Where should we conduct the burial or cremation?

For Burial, only Chua Chu Kang Cemetery Complex is available in Singapore. The area is separated into different sections based on religion and Ethnics such as the Muslim cemetery, Chinese Cemetery etc.

 
For cremation, there are 3 options depending on the religion. For all religions, it can be done at the Mandai Government Crematorium. Whereas for Buddhists or Taoists, it can be done at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (also commonly known as Bright Hill Temple), or at Tze Toh Aum Temple.

5. Where should we keep the ashes?

Ashes may be stored at either government-managed columbaria, private temples, or churches. Our funeral directors can assist with purchasing a niche at the government columbaria.

Funeral Etiquette in Singapore

We often asked ourselves questions such as what to wear, how to behave, which topics are potentially taboo, and more. There’s a lot to think about when paying your respects to the recently deceased and speaking with family members who are grieving their loss.

Today we will be discussing what is the proper etiquette when attending a funeral wake in Singapore so you are better prepared while attending one

Dress Code When Attending Funeral Wakes

When attending a funeral wake, do dress appropriately. Be neat and conservative. Understand that your attire is a mark of respect for the deceased and the bereaving family.

 

Depending on the deceased’s religious beliefs and customs, you may want to avoid certain colours and prints that conflict with their traditions. If you’re unsure of what these traditions are, a safe choice would be clothes that are conservative , plain and have muted colours. To be extra safe, avoid the colours red, yellow and brown – this is especially important at Chinese funerals.

Amount of Condolence Money

There is no fix amount that should be provided. After all, your mere presence being present to offer your condolence and last respect is more than sufficient.

Paying Respects and Joss Sticks

To pay your respects, you may bow in front of the altar of the deceased. While bowing, you may offer a quiet prayer, or simply speak a few words in your heart to the deceased. This is considered to be universally acceptable behaviour, regardless of religious beliefs.

 

Some Chinese families may burn joss sticks for their loved ones who have recently parted. If you are accustomed to using joss sticks, a member of the family (most likely one you know) will accompany you to the altar and pass you the joss sticks, allowing you to pay respects to the deceased.

 

If you do not wish hold joss stick due to religious reasons, simply bowing your head with respect for a few seconds will be enough.

Condolence Contributions

You may offer a cash contribution to help the bereaving family subsidise the cost of holding the funeral. In Chinese tradition, this practice is referred to as offering “white gold” or “bai jin”.

 

You can make your contribution after you are done paying respects to the deceased. Don’t worry about how much money to give, as this is entirely up to you. It depends on how close you are to the bereaving family and you may contribute any amount you feel comfortable giving.

What’s the Red String for?

In most funeral wakes in Singapore, you’ll see a paper plate with peanuts, melon seeds and pieces of red threads on every table. If you’ve ever wondered what this piece of string represents, it is believed to ward off any “bad luck” that you may happen to pick up when attending the funeral wake. You may take one and tie it on your finger, but do remember to dispose it before you reach home.