Scattering of Ashes at Sea, also known as Sea Burial
When it comes to your last goodbye, we at Singapore Funeral & Casket Services understand that you value simplicity, respect, and environmental consciousness above all else. If you’re looking for a special and peaceful way to remember your loved ones, we offer a sea burial option that is both ecologically responsible and deeply moving.
The Final Resting Place of Memories at Sea
Those seeking a simple and inexpensive funeral have found sea burial to be an increasingly attractive option in recent years. Contrary to the dramatic scenes often portrayed in films, a sea burial in Singapore is a peaceful and heartfelt ritual that involves placing cremated ashes into a biodegradable sea urn. This urn floats gently on the water’s surface before naturally dissolving, offering a comforting and serene farewell.
Because we are committed to protecting the environment, Singapore Funeral & Casket Services uses only biodegradable sea scattering urns. Our eco-conscious approach ensures that we remain responsible stewards of nature, even in our final goodbyes.
Sites of Sea Burial in Singapore
With our sea burial services, you and your loved ones may be escorted by boat to a tranquil location in Singapore, where the ashes of the deceased can be respectfully scattered. You have two beautiful departure points to choose from for this meaningful ceremony:
Marina South Pier
A quiet location with the city skyline in the background, providing a serene starting point for your loved one’s final journey.
Location: 31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988
Changi Pier
Set against a peaceful coastal backdrop, this location along the Changi beachfront offers a scenic and reflective atmosphere for a heartfelt farewell.
Location: 51 Lor Bekukong, Singapore 499172
NEA Regulations For Sea Burial in Singapore
In Singapore, if you’re planning a sea burial, it’s important to follow the regulations set by the National Environment Agency (NEA). Ash scattering can be done any day of the week, including public holidays, but it must take place between 7 am and 7 pm.
You can choose to scatter the ashes at sea within an approved site 2.8 km south of Pulau Semakau, which is designated by the NEA for such purposes.
You’ll need to get approval from the NEA beforehand, so be sure to apply early and have the necessary documents ready. These rules help ensure the process is carried out respectfully and in line with environmental guidelines.
Sea Burial Service Includes:
At Singapore Funeral & Casket Services, our sea burial package is thoughtfully arranged to provide a smooth and respectful farewell for your loved one. Our service includes:
- Rental of a bumboat or yacht
- Arrangement and booking of sea burial permits with the NEA
- Cremation fee at Mandai Crematorium
- Ash collection service
- Fresh flowers or petals for scattering at sea
- Manpower to collect the cremated remains and deliver them directly to the ferry terminal (families may also choose to collect the ashes themselves)
To personalise the farewell, you may also consider optional add-ons such as:
- A biodegradable urn
- A short ceremonial session based on your religious traditions
- Enlarged photo of the deceased
For any other specific requests, feel free to call our 24-hour helpline at 8900 0000. Our dedicated Funeral Directors are here to support you and ensure everything is handled with care and minimal stress.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Sea Burial in Singapore
At Singapore Funeral & Casket Services, we guide you through every step of the sea burial process to ensure it is smooth, respectful, and stress-free for you and your family.
Step 1: Contact Our Funeral Consultant
Reach out to us via our 24-hour hotline or WhatsApp to express your interest in sea burial. Our consultant will explain the process, answer your questions, and arrange an initial discussion—either in person or over the phone.
Step 2: Select a Date and Preferred Location
Choose a suitable date for the sea burial. We will check boat availability and weather conditions for either Marina South Pier or Changi Pier, based on your preference.
Step 3: Documentation and NEA Permit Application
We will assist you in applying for the National Environment Agency (NEA) sea burial permit, which is required for the scattering of ashes in Singapore waters. This typically includes the death certificate and cremation certificate.
Step 4: Preparation of the Ashes and Sea Urn
We arrange for the collection of ashes from the crematorium or from your home. The ashes are then respectfully placed into a biodegradable sea urn, which will dissolve naturally in the water.
Step 5: Personalisation of the Ceremony
You may choose to include personalised elements such as:
- Religious prayers or rituals
- Singing of hymns or songs
- Eulogies or readings
- Floral petals to accompany the urn
We work closely with you to design a ceremony that honours your loved one’s wishes and values.
Step 6: Boat Charter and Boarding
On the day of the ceremony, your family and guests will board a private chartered boat, usually accommodating 10–30 people. Safety equipment and life jackets will be provided. Our funeral director will be present to guide the proceedings.
Step 7: Ash Scattering Ceremony
Once the boat reaches the designated sea burial area, the ceremony begins. After a short tribute or moment of silence, the biodegradable urn is gently released into the sea. Family members may also scatter flower petals or say final words.
Step 8: Return to Shore and Aftercare
After the ceremony, the boat will return to the pier. We provide optional memorial keepsakes or digital video coverage if requested. Our team remains available for any post-ceremony assistance or grief support you may need. The whole process will take approximately 2 hours, not taking into account the time taken for ceremonies.
Our Sea Burial Service
At Singapore Funeral & Casket Services, our sea burial service includes everything needed to ensure a respectful and meaningful goodbye. We handle the full process—NEA sea burial permit applications, ash collection, boat charter, biodegradable urns, floral arrangements, and more.
Our compassionate team is here to lift the logistical burden during this difficult time, giving you space to grieve, reflect, and honour the memory of your loved one.
We understand that every family is unique. That’s why we offer personalised sea burial and funeral services that respect your specific beliefs, preferences, and traditions.
Whether you’re seeking a prayer session akin to a Christian funeral or a secular tribute similar to a free-thinker ceremony, we will help you create a sea burial experience that feels emotionally resonant and sincere.
Engage Singapore Funeral & Casket Services for Sea Burial in Singapore
With Singapore Funeral & Casket Services, your loved one’s journey doesn’t end—it flows gently onwards, in harmony with the natural world. As the sea cradles their ashes, we offer you a meaningful, eco-friendly, and dignified opportunity to say goodbye.
If you’re looking to honour your loved one with an ash scattering at sea that respects both memory and environment, contact us today. Our caring team is here to support you through the entire process and deliver a service that aligns with your values and wishes.
To learn more or to arrange a sea burial service in Singapore, please call our 24-hour hotline at 89000 000, send us a WhatsApp message.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you conduct a sea burial in Singapore?
Yes, sea burial is allowed in Singapore. The National Environment Agency (NEA) permits ashes to be scattered at sea within a designated area—2.8 km south of Pulau Semakau. You’ll need to apply in advance for approval, and the scattering must take place between 7 am and 7 pm, including public holidays. Only cremated remains (ashes) can be scattered—not whole bodies.
2. What is the price of a sea burial?
The cost of a sea burial in Singapore varies depending on the service provider and the type of vessel used. On average, it can range from $300 to $1,500 SGD. The price usually includes rental of a bumboat or yacht, permits, floral arrangements, and assistance with collecting the ashes. Optional add-ons like biodegradable urns or religious ceremonies will cost more.
3. What is the process for carrying out a sea burial?
First, the deceased is cremated. After cremation, the family applies to the NEA for permission to scatter the ashes at sea. On the appointed day, a chartered boat or yacht will take the family to the approved scattering site near Pulau Semakau. There, the family can perform a short farewell, often involving loose flowers or flower petals. The ashes are either poured directly into the sea or placed in a biodegradable urn that dissolves naturally in water.
4. How much does it typically cost to have a sea burial in Singapore?
A typical sea burial package in Singapore starts from around $380 SGD for a basic bumboat trip and can go up to $1,500 SGD for a private yacht with full ceremonial arrangements. If you include cremation fees, flower petals, transport, and ceremonial services, the total cost may increase accordingly.
5. What occurs to the body once it’s buried at sea?
In Singapore, only ashes are allowed for sea burial, not full bodies. Once the ashes are scattered, they disperse into the sea over time. If a biodegradable urn is used, it floats briefly and then sinks, breaking down naturally without harming the marine environment. This method is seen as eco-friendly and symbolic, as the remains return to nature.
6. What are the burial expenses like in Singapore?
Burial in land-based cemeteries in Singapore is far more costly and limited. A burial plot at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery costs around $940 SGD, and it only lasts 15 years, after which the grave may be exhumed. In comparison, cremation costs around $100 SGD at Mandai Crematorium, and sea burial can be a more affordable and space-saving option.
7. What to Wear to a Burial at Sea
When attending a sea burial in Singapore, it’s important to dress in a manner that is both respectful and practical. Opt for modest, conservative clothing in dark or muted colours such as black, navy, or grey. Bright colours, especially red and yellow, should be avoided as they are associated with celebration and may be deemed inappropriate for funerals.
Men can wear collared shirts with dark trousers, while women might choose modest blouses paired with skirts or trousers that cover the knees. Footwear should be closed-toe and non-slip to ensure safety on the boat; avoid high heels, sandals, or flip-flops.
Given Singapore’s tropical climate, lightweight and breathable fabrics are advisable, and bringing a hat or sunglasses can help with sun protection. If the ceremony involves religious customs, such as in Muslim or Hindu traditions, women may be expected to wear a headscarf or ensure their attire covers the arms and legs.
It’s always best to consult with the funeral organiser or family members for any specific dress code requirements.
