MythBusters: common myths when visiting columbaria
Goldhill Memorial Centre is Singapore’s first smart columbarium, blending modern design and convenience with traditional remembrance. But some myths and misunderstandings have cropped up. Let’s bust those myths and share the real experience of visiting Goldhill Memorial Centre.
Myth #1: “Visiting the deceased is an eerie and gloomy experience.”
Busted:
While traditional columbaria are solemn by nature, Goldhill Memorial Centre is purpose-built to offer a tranquil, serene, and dignified environment. Each niche is housed within a luxurious private booth or VIP suite, fully enclosed to ensure maximum privacy during visits. These thoughtfully designed spaces can comfortably accommodate up to 9 people in standard booths and up to 30 in VIP suites, making it easy for families to gather, reflect, and pay tribute together, without feeling rushed or cramped.
Myth #2: “Visiting is uncomfortable and exposed to the weather.”
Busted:
At Goldhill Memorial Centre, all niches are safely enshrined within our building, offering visitors full protection from the elements — rain or shine. Uniquely, the niches are located at the basement level, aligning with the Chinese tradition of finding peace beneath the earth, adding deeper cultural significance to the resting place.
Myth #3: “Finding a loved one’s niche is cumbersome and time consuming.”
Busted:
Traditional columbaria often house thousands of niches arranged in long, uniform rows, making it difficult and time-consuming to locate a specific one — especially during peak periods. At Goldhill Memorial Centre, this challenge is completely eliminated. Each visitor is assigned a private booth number upon booking, allowing for a direct and seamless experience with no wandering or guesswork involved. Additionally, all niches are positioned at eye level, ensuring safe, comfortable access without the need for climbing or kneeling.
Myth #4: “They don’t allow for personalization.”
Busted:
While most traditional columbaria might tend to be more rigid and old-fashioned, Goldhill Memorial Centre provides each visitor with a customized memorial video that automatically plays during visits. This memorial video is tailor-made with photos, video clips, and key life milestones of the departed, allowing family and friends to reminisce meaningfully and celebrate their loved one’s legacy in a truly heartfelt way.
Myth #5: “There is no privacy during visits”
Busted:
Compared to traditional columbaria, which have their niches exposed to the elements, each niche at Goldhill Memorial Centre is enshrined in an enclosed suite. This suite is spacious and luxurious, and is able to easily fit up to 9 visitor or up to 30 for VIP suites, esuring a privacy and comfort for a tranquil visiting experience.
Myth #6: “we need to wake up very early to visit during Qing Ming”
Busted:
During major remembrance periods like Qing Ming or the Hungry Ghost Festival, traditional columbaria can get overwhelmingly crowded. At Goldhill Memorial Centre, our online booking system lets you easily reserve a preferred timeslot — so you can enjoy a calm, hassle-free visit without the stress of traffic, parking woes, or early morning queues.
Goldhill Memorial Centre combines modern design and thoughtful service to create a dignified, respectful space for remembrance. It honors tradition while offering comfort and accessibility, making the visit meaningful and convenient for families of all ages.