1. Introduction
Singapore Nirvana has 5 big indoor air-conditioned columbariums, 1 outdoor columbarium, and also a memorial hall or as known as the ancestor worship hall. Every columbarium has its own specific design, which is different from the rest. The niche tiles, which were bought from China, were specially designed with much thought to come out with designs that suit our customers’ needs. The tiles have been described as nice and having a peaceful feeling. In the middle of every indoor columbarium, there is a courtyard where a mix of greenery and a small waterfall pool are designed with rocks to give it a natural and refreshing feel. The outdoor columbarium is basically situated on a slope with a small ‘Ying Tong’ architectural design. It was built next to the garden of remembrance.
Nirvana is unique because much thought and effort was put into building a first-class facility and park. The design of the building and layout were carefully planned. During the making of the columbarium, every detail was taken into consideration in order to make it a comfortable and peaceful place for visiting relatives and friends.
Singapore Nirvana is the latest styled service to hold funeral ceremonies in Singapore. It was officially opened on 27th July 2000. It was built and renamed from the former Mandai Crematorium, which has been around since 1922. It is a company within the Nirvana Asia Group. The Nirvana memorial garden has a land area of 42 acres and was built in 3 phases. Phase 2 and 3 are still under development.
1.1. What is Singapore Nirvana?
Singapore Nirvana is a columbarium located in Singapore offering high quality services at affordable prices. This company has been in business for two decades providing respectable funeral services including the investment of pre-paid and value-laden plots and niches. In addition, they offer bereaved families transfer of niche or ashes between niches and columbaria, which is especially useful. They have favorable testimonials and are indeed a suitable choice for a memorial service for your loved ones. With five different cremation sites, Singapore Nirvana provides a range of alternatives to families who need to locate a permanent resting place for their departed loved ones. They provide funeral and cremation services for various religious groups. With an array of classic designs, stunning landscapes and choice materials, our columbaria are the ideal place to remember your loved ones.
Niches are available for those who have specific preferences and budget. Different types of niches cater to the needs of individuals or families who seek a permanent home to place the ashes of their loved ones. Prices of niches vary, depending on the location, size and type of niche. All niches are properly maintained and are situated in a comfortable area allowing you to visit your loved ones any day at your convenience. At Singapore Nirvana, we maintain a high standard in every service we provide and ensure that we satisfy your needs no matter what it takes.
1.2. Singapore Nirvana Address and Location
Singapore Nirvana officially opened its doors in the early 2000s as the exclusive and sole private Buddhist Columbarium. It is a government-approved physical space for the practice of Buddhism, located at 25/27 Mandai Estate in Singapore and expected to complete its all construction phases in the year 2016. Singapore Nirvana is a specialized and well-organized provider of memorialization and post-funeral services or Buddhism funeral service for the deceased. As a Buddhist Memorialization, Singapore Nirvana offers Buddhist funeral wake service and Buddhist Funeral Package. With support from different Buddhist organizations in Singapore, family members have plenty of opportunities to perform meritorious deeds through the Buddhist way for the deceased. The only specialist in post-funeral services in Singapore, Nirvana’s expertise lies in consolidating all these services and conducting rituals at the deceased’s home and handling all documentation processes.
2. Columbarium Price
Prices of niches at the columbariums run by Churning International are determined as follows. Prices at the government-run columbariums such as Kong Meng San Par Lee Valeat, Mandai, and Choa Chu Kang will serve as the benchmark for niche prices. Niche prices at Tse Tho Aum temple will not deviate too far from that price range. This is so that the niches will be more affordable to devotees and loved ones of the deceased. This serves to align with one of the main objectives of the Chunning International Division, which is to provide a good and comprehensive set of bereavement services for the community.
Prices at the niches located at our other current and future columbariums will be determined by the location of the niche and the land lease rate. Prices will be more affordable for niches located at secluded areas with reduced transportation conveniences. This is to cater to the niche storage preference of certain individuals who do not require frequent niche visitation, and additional costs can be used to cover the maintenance of the niche and to also ensure that these niches will be affordable to the lower-income group of people. Prices will be higher for niches near MRT stations and niches located within hawker centers and shop lots. This is to cater to the more convenient lifestyle of families who might wish to dual task convenience of niche visitation and completion of errands around the neighborhood.
Prices at government-run columbariums are generally more affordable. However, as the majority of the Chinese community still relates death with the taboo of gloom and misery, many are still adverse to the concept of niche storage and visitation at the niche. These groups of orthodox Chinese would still prefer to stick to the tradition of cinerary urn burial where they can dig out the urn to re-cremate and dispose of the remains after the 100th day death anniversary. This will help in explaining why private columbariums and Christian columbariums generally price their niches to be the same as those of government-run columbariums.
The number of niches that a columbarium has to offer is one of the main factors affecting the price of the niche. Government-run columbariums usually have more niches to offer due to the scarcity of land for columbariums. As a result, these government-run columbariums have to maximize the use of the land that is allocated for lease. This is done via building more storeys as well as hogger around the clock visitation by the devotees and loved ones of the deceased. Maximized utilization of the land translates into more niches being offered. More niches translate into more competition among undertakers to secure niches for a good fengshui vicinity to sell to the loved ones of the deceased. This is so that it will be more convenient for them when paying respects to the deceased.
Factors that affect the price of a niche include the location of the niche, level of convenience, as well as the reputation of the columbarium and the developer. Niche prices at government-run columbariums are generally more affordable compared to those at private columbariums. The reason being that the lease that the government imposes on the land is significantly less than that of the market rate. Niche prices at the government-run columbariums are also less pricey as the location of the columbariums is more secluded and less convenient. Convenience such as ease of access, completion of nearby amenities such as eateries and shops, as well as the completion of the MRT station, affects the price of the niche as well. Niche prices at government-run columbariums are generally more affordable compared to those at private columbariums. The reason being that the lease that the government imposes on the land is significantly less than that of the market rate. Niche prices at the government-run columbariums are also less pricey as the location of the columbariums is more secluded and less convenient.
2.1. Factors Affecting Columbarium Price
Location and surroundings of a columbarium is a major factor affecting price. A columbarium situated in a prime location in the heart of Singapore can have prices up to ten times higher than one situated in a less urban location such as Mandai. What comprises a prime location is subjective and can vary greatly between individuals. Older generations that place a strong emphasis on Feng Shui or have strong cultural ties to a certain area in Singapore may consider a location to be prime based on different reasons. Niches at a columbarium that is located within a temple can also be more costly due to easy access to the temple to perform religious rites. Surroundings such as scenic landscaping, a peaceful environment, and good maintenance of the columbarium can also drive up the prices as they contribute to a pleasant environment for visitors to remember their loved ones.
The price of a niche at a columbarium in Singapore can vary from a few hundred dollars to over ten thousand and is not necessarily an indication of the quality of the place of rest. Factors that affect price are complex and varied, and our study involves conducting interviews with staff from several columbariums to understand their views. From gathered data and personal observations, we have outlined several factors that influence price.
Given the significance of columbarium placement in the Chinese culture, choosing the right place to rest is of utmost importance and many will make decisions based on price. This section aims to examine factors that affect the price of niches at a columbarium. By understanding these factors, Singaporean Chinese can make a more informed choice when choosing a columbarium and, most importantly, the choice that fits their budget.
2.2. Understanding the Pricing Structure
A columbarium is similar to an apartment in terms of the pricing structure. There are mainly 3 types of niches: economy, standard, and premium. For an economy niche, it is usually the lowest level and would be the smallest in terms of size. However, a particular niche price is not only dependent on the level that it is at, but also on its proximity to the common area, e.g. walkway.
For instance, it has been found that the price of a particular level 2 niche is more expensive than a level 3 niche. This is due to the fact that a level 2 niche is much easier to access compared to a level 3 niche without the need to take the stairs. Therefore, the former would be considered more convenient and, therefore, commands a higher price. An economy niche usually consists of a single niche with enough space for one urn. It usually consists of a small plaque to engrave details of the deceased. The size of the plaque can also affect the niche price as a larger plaque with more words would cost more.
It has been found that certain columbariums do not allow photo engraving on the plaque and provide more space for a person to place offerings along with a small altar table, which would cost slightly more. Coming to a standard niche, it is usually twice the size of an economy niche and most of the time it is able to house 2 urns. A standard niche would also have a bigger plaque and a more spacious area for offerings and altar table space. The price difference between a standard niche is usually just a little more than an economy niche. This is largely influenced by the fact that the niche is at a higher level than an economy niche.
A premium niche would be the most expensive and it varies widely in size and location. A large premium niche can cost up to $25,000 and it is big enough to house many urns. Some big premium niches are as big as a small room and have enough space for family members to take a seat to pray and have an altar table inside the niche. Location also affects the price of the premium niche.
Certain premium niches that are located near the waterfall/sitting area can cost a few thousand dollars more. The other type of pricing is the niche leasing scheme, which doesn’t involve any purchase of a niche. The customer would lease a niche for a certain number of years and he/she would need to pay the lease fees upfront. This scheme is suitable for people who do not want any commitment and don’t want to worry about the niche after they pass away. A leased niche is usually more expensive than an owned niche as there are additional costs and rental fees involved.
2.3. Comparing Prices of Different Columbariums
It is also crucial to be mindful of the future price increase. Most companies will have a clause in their agreement that states they can increase the price for niche maintenance, it is important to ask for a rough figure of how much this would increase over time and also to have the new maintenance price capped at a certain value.
When comparing prices, especially from different companies, always be sure to complete thorough research. Due to most companies having different pricing structures, often there are hidden costs which are not obvious at first. Some companies may advertise a price and not include GST. Others may have significantly higher prices for niches which are situated in premium areas of their buildings. In summary, the best way to compare prices is to make a side by side list of what is included in the package from each company and to then read the terms and conditions to ensure no hidden costs or change in the original package price.
Comparing prices from different columbariums can be a complex and often misleading process. The reason being pricing structures are different from one another, additives can increase cost significantly and not every columbarium will provide a ‘like for like’ service. For instance, we have found columbariums that offer a basic package which includes the urn, but their urns are priced as an optional extra, so a customer must be aware that the urn we have been quoted for from said columbarium may not be the actual cost when purchasing the later. Another example would be a company we have found that advertises a very low price for a two niche plot. After attending a consultation we were advised that this was only for the bottom plot, and the top plot would in fact be double the cost, it is important to be aware of these details as they are not always obviously advertised.
3. Singapore Nirvana Price
Singapore Nirvana provides many different services for different cultural backgrounds and different types of funeral service. Package 1 is the most basic of all the packages that caters to the minimal funeral service requirements. It includes a prayer service and a cremation. Customers are able to rent religious statues at an additional cost (from Saturday and midnight service only). Package 2 offers a more traditional Chinese/Taoist Buddhist funeral service. It includes a prayer service, a 3-day wake that comes with tentage, 5 round tables, a sound system, and a projector for displaying photos. The body will then be transported back to the columbarium for a cremation. Customers are able to rent religious statues at an additional cost (from Saturday and midnight service only).
Package 3 is designed specifically for freethinker/Christian customers. It includes a wake at the Singapore Nirvana Memorial Centre, a funeral service, and a cremation at the Mandai Crematorium. The last and most expensive package, Package 4, consists of a prayer service followed by a display of an art gallery at the Singapore Nirvana Memorial Centre, ending with a cremation. Clients are also able to rent religious statues at an additional cost (from Saturday and midnight service only). The prices are not stated for these packages or the types of funeral service as they are customized according to the clients’ needs.
3.1. Packages and Services Offered by Singapore Nirvana
Preferential pricing privileges are provided to Buddhist, Taoist, Catholic, and Muslim members.
Specific details of the burial, niche, and cremation can be advised by any of our Customer Service Executives who will walk you through the offerings and provide details of the packages.
Singapore Nirvana offers a range of prepaid burial, niche, and cremation packages. The burial plots have been comparably described as “land prepared like a plush golf course.” The Chinese burial plots resemble much of what the deceased was familiar with during his lifetime. The plots are very much Feng Shui, and the areas are generally named after famous Chinese dynasties in China. For those of higher caliber, there are Mausoleum and Lawn Casket Burial areas. The Muslim burial plots are sited in the most serene and picturesque areas that offer the most conducive environment for spiritual reflection and are close to the mosque. The Buddhist Columbarium is designed like many high-class temples and was built with rich oriental architecture. The Christian Columbarium is also one of the finest, figuratively similar to a church.
3.2. Pricing Options for Different Budgets
Singapore Nirvana offers various pricing options for people with different budgets. There are options for people of all backgrounds to afford a respectable columbarium. The most expensive option available is to purchase a double niche (allowing the ashes of two people to be stored) at the Singapore Nirvana Columbarium in Lim Chu Kang. This will set buyers back around $6000 including niches, maintenance fees, and a 100-year lease. This is a good option for people willing to spend a little more for better surroundings and facilities. The next best option is a single niche which can range between $1500-$3000 depending on the location of the Columbarium.
There is also a 15-year lease for this niche where the customer can renew or upgrade to a better niche at the end of the lease. This is a good option for retirees. The cheapest option available from Singapore Nirvana is the sea burial package offered at the same price as a typical void deck niche. Unfortunately, Singapore Nirvana does not specifically advertise prices for their sea burial package but the national average for a sea burial in Singapore appears to be around $1000-$1200. This is, of course, less expensive than a traditional columbarium placement but may not be as flexible in terms of visitation.
3.3. Additional Costs and Fees
Nirvana also encourages the use of “eco-friendly and bio-degradable funeral products” and there is a S$200 rebate for coffin purchases from Nirvana and/or utilization of Nirvana’s cremation services. This is part of the Singapore Funeral Industrial Council’s (SFIC) “eco-life” campaign. Although being environmentally friendly is a benevolent cause and should be encouraged, this S$200 discount is not available for those who choose to take another premium, elite or exclusive plan. This is somewhat of a disappointment, given that those taking the basic plan have chosen not to use other top-up services for the sake of being fiscally conservative. And yet, this group of elderly citizens would likely appreciate this coffin cost saving more than others, having difficulty understanding the rationale behind paying more for the same product, to benefit from the discount.
There are a few extra costs that are not included in the pre-payment plans and it is useful to be aware of this to avoid any additional financial strain after the funeral. Firstly, a religious ritual fee of S$100 is imposed for each session. This cost is the same for all packages and is necessary for those who want to conduct the Buddhist, Taoist or Christian rite. For Christians, a non-Sunday service will incur another S$100 surcharge. This cost is not cheap and families should consider this when deciding on the day of the week to hold the service. An overtime fee of S$100 for every 30 minutes or part thereof after 6pm is chargeable for session(s) that end late because “Nirvana’s staff welfare and safety are being considered”.
4. Conclusion
This essay has explained the price structure, address, and other extra details about Singapore Nirvana Columbarium. From the address point of view, it is strategically located along the Changi Coast Road in the eastern part of Singapore away from the hustle and bustle of the city. From columbarium prices point of view, it is quite less as compared to government HDB housing prices. The above article is based on the market survey. The above stated prices are based on the data collected through phone calls made to the office.
According to Jeremy on his comparison to government HDB housing price, his comment is in Singapore there is always a price point for different people in terms of burials. To cater for every socio-economic level and to avoid locals from going to Malaysia or Batam for their burial needs, there are different types of burial places from private cemeteries and to the different columbaria in different housing estates. Singapore Nirvana has a total of 6 different packages priced from $2600 to $16800.
With a range of $10400, there is a price point catering for many different people and family needs. Although there is the option of home burial for Buddhist, it is not possible in future Singapore due to land scarcity. Hence for the average Singaporean, cremation and placing the ashes in a columbarium niche is the way to do if they do not wish to have a further funeral ceremony or emigrate.
Other than Columbarium and Urn Niche, the 6 packages have other categories to suit the needs of Chinese, Taoist, and more superstitious families who wish to have virtually a housing estate for the deceased, to protect against vandalism and competition of the surrounding area, and these people can look forward to a Singapore Nirvana’s funeral double decker 2.8m x 3m burial plot in future HDB estates.
All packages have the value of today’s price with installment plans up to 5 years and a $300 discount for Buddhists. A guaranteed installment plan is also available for already diseased or retirees with no income. RP has other prices researched before this interview and NV Multi Asia.
For example a niche in newer private estate HDB void deck or building is between $3500 to $8000 and a double decker plot is between $3000 to $12000. So you can see, last but not least, there are many different price points with a total range exceeding the price difference between government build to order HDB flats and private condominium or landed properties. Hence from this table, our conclusion is that there is a price point for different people and different relatives who have passed away, and it is definitely possible for the dead to have a more comfortable ‘home’ than they had in their past life.
Additionally, the market size of death care services is increasing with people above 60 years old and from our calculations, in the future there is expected large profits, so there is still a bright future for this industry.