Alternative Cremation Methods: What You Should Know Before Deciding

A Changing Landscape of Cremation in Singapore

With land scarcity, rising awareness of environmental issues, and more personalised approaches to saying goodbye, Singapore’s funeral landscape has evolved over the years.

Where traditional burial once dominated, cremation has become the norm. However, even cremation is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution.

Families are now exploring alternative cremation methods that align with their values, religious beliefs, and emotional needs.

If you’re planning for a loved one—or thinking ahead for yourself—it’s important to understand the full spectrum of funeral options available in Singapore.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of cremation available, including what’s common, what’s emerging, and how to choose one that best honours the wishes of the deceased.

Traditional Cremation: The Standard Practice

In Singapore, cremation remains the go-to option for most families.

Governed by strict regulations under the National Environment Agency (NEA), the process is straightforward, efficient, and widely accepted across different religions and cultures.

The Process of Cremation

Once a death certificate is obtained, a licensed funeral service provider helps arrange everything, including:

• Collecting and preparing the body
• Coordinating a wake or religious rites
• Booking a cremation slot at a certified facility 
• Transporting the body to the crematorium

The most common certified facility for cremations in Singapore is the Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex. 

The process involves incinerating the body in a high-temperature chamber, reducing it to bone fragments. These fragments are then collected, processed into ash, and stored in a standard urn.

These ashes can be:

• Placed in a columbarium niche (Mandai or other religious institutions like Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery)
• Scattered at designated areas like the Garden of Peace
• Kept at home or prepared for sea burial

Traditional Burial Option

For families who still prefer traditional burial, it’s possible at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery. 

That said, most burial plots are offered on a leasehold basis and are exhumed after 15 years, with remains either re-interred or cremated.

What Are Alternative Cremation Options?

So, what exactly does “alternative cremation” mean?

It refers to cremation options that differ from the conventional fire-based method, often with a focus on being more eco-friendly or aligning with specific personal or spiritual preferences. 

Let’s look at the ones people in Singapore are starting to ask about more often.

Water Cremation (Hydrolysis)

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, this method uses a water-based solution to break down the body in a matter of hours that mimics natural decomposition. 

Unlike traditional cremation, which uses intense heat, hydrolysis gently accelerates the natural process using water, pressure, and alkaline chemicals.

The result? A similar amount of ashes, but with lower emissions and less energy use.

Key Features:

• Uses less energy than fire-based cremation
• Produces no air pollutants or greenhouse gases
• Retains bone fragments, which are processed similarly into ashes
• Often described as eco-friendly and respectful

Sounds promising, right? The catch is: it’s not yet legal or available in Singapore, but there’s growing interest among both environmental advocates and funeral professionals. 

Discussions around feasibility are ongoing, and its introduction could offer another sustainable funeral service option in the near future.

Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)

Human composting transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil through a controlled, natural process involving wood chips, straw, and microbial activity.

It’s been legalised in parts of the US, and it’s gaining attention for being the most eco-friendly of all the options.

However, it is not legally permitted in Singapore at this time. For now, it’s more of a forward-looking possibility than a real-time option.

How It Works:

• The body is placed in a reusable container
• Over 30–45 days, natural decomposition turns it into usable soil
• Families may use the soil to plant trees or scatter it in gardens

Environmental Impact:

• Reduces emissions dramatically compared to cremation
• Saves space by avoiding burial plots

Sea Burial

Sea burial refers to the scattering of cremated ashes in the ocean—an option that many families find peaceful and symbolic.

It is one of the few alternatives currently allowed and regulated by the National Environment Agency.

Process:

• The family books a sea burial appointment with an NEA-approved operator
• Ashes are placed in a biodegradable container or scattered directly
• The site is located 2.8km south of Pulau Semakau

Where to Start:

• Ashes must first be collected from the crematorium
• Families can request arrangements through funeral services providers
• NEA’s Garden of Peace may also be used for land-based ash scattering

If your loved one always had a connection to nature or the ocean, this can be a meaningful alternative to a columbarium niche.

Traditional vs Alternative Cremation: A Side-by-Side Look

To make an informed choice, here’s a simple comparison of your options:

Method	Environmental Impact	Available in SG?	Cultural Fit	Cost Level
Traditional Cremation	Moderate	Yes (widely used)	High	Standard
Water Cremation	Low	Not yet	Medium	TBD
Human Composting	Very Low	Not permitted	Varies	Higher
Sea Burial	Low	Yes (regulated)	Medium	Moderate

Each option has its pros and cons, and while traditional cremation remains the most accessible, the right choice depends on what your loved one would have wanted—and what feels right for your family.

Where Do These Services Take Place?

Here are some of the key locations in Singapore where funeral and cremation services happen:

Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium Complex

• Singapore’s largest and most established cremation site
• Well-managed and equipped with modern cremation facilities and extensive niches for ash storage

Choa Chu Kang Cemetery

• Offers both cremation and traditional burial
• Limited availability of burial plots, which are on 15-year leases

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Phor Kark See)

• A major Buddhist religious site with its cremation services, funeral rites, and columbarium options
• Preferred by families seeking spiritual support and traditional rituals

NEA Service Counters

• Handle applications for cremation slots, death certificate processing, and booking for the Garden of Peace or sea burial
• Located at Mandai and other key centres

Key Considerations Before You Decide

Choosing how to say goodbye is a deeply personal decision. Here are a few key things to reflect on before making your choice.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs

Is there a certain tradition your family holds close? 

In Singapore’s diverse community, many families follow traditions shaped by religion or ancestry. 

Whether it’s Buddhist rituals, Christian practices, or secular approaches, choosing a method that aligns with these beliefs can bring comfort and honour the legacy of the deceased.

Environmental Impact

If your loved one cared about nature or sustainability, an eco-conscious option like sea burial or, in future, water cremation might feel more meaningful. 

These alternatives have a lower carbon footprint and avoid land use—ideal for those who value green living.

Location and Accessibility

Think about where the final resting place will be. Will family members want to visit regularly? 

If so, a columbarium niche or the Garden of Peace may be more suitable than a sea burial. 

Choose a location that feels practical and meaningful for ongoing remembrance!

Emotional Closure

Goodbyes aren’t just about logistics—they’re about healing. 

Some methods allow for rituals, prayers, or final viewings that help family members feel a sense of closure.

The right option should provide space for grief and healing, not just for the deceased, but for everyone left behind.

Honour Your Loved One with Confidence with Nirvana Memorial Garden 

At Nirvana Memorial Garden, we believe every farewell should be meaningful, dignified, and aligned with your family’s values. 

Whether you’re choosing cremation, sea burial, or exploring future alternatives, we’re here to support you with compassion and clarity.

What’s available in our services:

• A range of columbarium niches for every budget
• Personalised services for all religious practices
• Multilingual support for clear communication
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Flexible 0% interest payment plans for up to 48 months

Our experienced team will walk you through every step: from getting the death certificate to choosing a crematorium or columbarium, and offering advice on ash management and memorialisation.

Most importantly, we ensure that your loved one’s final journey is handled with the utmost care, because peace of mind is a legacy worth leaving behind.

WhatsApp us today to learn more.