The largest of these former cemeteries is the former Bidadari Cemetery. Exhumation of this beautiful, historic cemetery began around 1999, and was complete by 2005. Many of the bodies were relocated to Kranji and Chao Chu Kang. Others were reclaimed by family and relocated overseas. The rest were cremated and committed to the sea under supervision of clergy. Records were made and are apparently kept in the Singapore National Archives.
Curious, I went to the former site to look around. What I found was an expanse of grassy parkland. The only thing that remains of the original cemetery is the roads within the park. There's not a single grave left, of around 58,000, as far as I could tell.
This is what it looks like now:
Nevertheless, the historic gateway and some of the graves of the most prominent people were preserved. They were located nearby to a place called Bidadari Garden. Within here 21 graves are preserved .
Gateway
The former Bidadari Cemetery was divided into two sections: the Christian section and the Muslim section. Likewise, Bidadari Garden has Christian and Muslim sections.
Two paths: Christian on left, Muslim on right
Next to Bidadari Garden is another cemetery: Mount Vernon Columbarium. It is actually a collection of columbaria, including a prominent pagoda-like lingguta, or "spirit bone tower".
I found this name amusing.
OK, next entry won't have anything to do with graves. I promise!
