Losing someone dear to you is never easy. The pain of saying goodbye can be overwhelming, and the process of deciding how to honor their memory can feel equally daunting. In Hong Kong, traditional burial options can sometimes feel limited and not always environmentally friendly. But there's hope and a growing range of options that provide meaningful, sustainable ways to remember your loved ones. This post will discuss the costs of the most common burial options in Hong Kong as of 2024.
Before we discuss the cost of burials, it is worth to note the actual cost of cremation. The cost to cremate an adult in Hong Kong as of 2021 is $1,220 HKD, and $650 HKD for a child. The cremation certificate cost is $140 HKD.
With growing environmental awareness, many families are seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional burials. Here's a look at the current options and their costs as of 2024:
1. Land Burials
Traditional land burials have become increasingly challenging due to space constraints:
| Public | Private | |
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Cemetery |
Due to the space shortage, a burial at a public cemetery must be exhumed after six years so the body can be cremated. |
Non permanent - HK$21,600 Permanent – HK$280,000 (pending availability) |
|
Columbarium |
The average waiting time for a space at apublic columbarium, which costs about HK$3,000, is now four years.
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A space in a private columbarium can put you back about HK$500k -$1million. |
In recent years, cemeteries in mainland China and Macau have reported increasing demand for plots from Hong Konger's as they seek more affordable options. But even in Macau, a private burial plot can cost HK$1million.
In 2017 the government stepped up efforts to regulate the city’s private columbarium operators by forcing them to become licensed by March 2018 after a nine-month grace period. The Private Columbaria Ordinance came into effect on June 30, 2017. But only about half of current private operators might meet the requirements under the new bill, meaning about 300,000 urns could be returned to families, industry workers have said. Update: as of 2021 only 34 operators have been licensed and are operated by the government, religious organizations, and private companies. All others are illegal and not recommended to use.
2. Columbarium
Columbaria are a popular choice for storing ashes:
3. Ash Scattering
Scattering ashes is a simple and eco-friendly option:
4. Sea Burials
Sea burials are growing in popularity:
Apply: The completed application form should be submitted at least 10 days before the proposed date for the scattering of cremated human ashes to any one of the following offices of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Section, FEHD.
Cost: approval will be granted normally within 5 working days from the date of receipt of a duly completed application. FEHD does not charge any fee for processing of the application.
Cost of Ferry Service provided by FEHD: Free.
The ferry service is provided several times per month for scattering cremated ashes in designated waters by members of the public. The sails are scheduled for once every Saturday morning (except public holiday). Details of the service are available at the webpage of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
5. Garden of Remembrance
Scattering ashes in a garden provides a tranquil and beautiful setting:
Scattering cremated ashes at gardens of remembrance is another environmentally friendly way to dispose of cremated ashes with growing popularity. Food and Environmental Hygiene Department runs 11 gardens of remembrance in 8 columbaria for the public to scatter cremated ashes of the deceased.
Rituals: Memorial rituals may be performed at the gardens of remembrance. The ashes may be scattered by the applicants themselves or by the staff of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
Costs: An administration fee is payable for mounting a commemorative plaque (HK$90) after ashes scattering. Masons registered with Food and Environmental Hygiene Department are allowed to provide services to supply and mount commemorative plaques in the gardens of remembrance.
Gardens of remembrance for scattering cremated ashes are also available in the following private cemeteries. Interested parties may contact the cemeteries direct for information.
To promote more environmentally-friendly practices, the Hong Kong government has introduced several new initiatives:
If you’re looking for something truly unique and meaningful, consider memorial diamonds. Swiss company Algordanza has been transforming cremated ashes into stunning diamonds for over 20 years, offering a beautiful way to keep your loved one close.
Why Choose Memorial Diamonds?
For many Hong Kongers, the idea of turning ashes into diamonds resonates deeply. It’s a powerful way to keep the memory of a loved one alive while embracing sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry to wear or a unique heirloom to pass down, a memorial diamond is a touching and timeless tribute.
Navigating through burial options can be challenging, but understanding the costs and available methods can help you make an informed decision. Whether you choose a traditional burial, a columbarium, ash scattering, or a memorial diamond, each option offers a unique way to honor and remember your loved one.
For more information on memorial diamonds, visit Algordanza Hong Kong.