DIY Umrah Awal Ramadhan 2026: Spiritual Journey + Stopover Experience Under RM5,000 (10 Nights Guide)

DIY Umrah Awal Ramadhan 2026: Spiritual Journey + Stopover Experience Under RM5,000 (10 Nights Guide)

Performing Umrah during Awal Ramadhan is a dream for many Muslims – a chance to begin the blessed month in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. While most pilgrims join licensed agency packages, there is also the option of planning your own DIY Umrah. With careful research, online booking tools and some flexibility, you can experience both the spiritual journey of Umrah and the excitement of a stopover in Sharjah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi – all at a cost of below RM5,000 for 10 nights.

This guide shares a sample itinerary (approximately February 14-24, 2026), estimated costs and practical tips to help you design a DIY Umrah trip that’s both meaningful and budget-friendly.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not a travel package for sale. It’s a sample DIY itinerary for educational purposes. Always confirm details and prices when booking.

The Spiritual Significance of Performing Umrah in Ramadan

Performing Umrah during Ramadan holds special significance in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that performing Umrah in this blessed month is equal in reward to performing Hajj with him. The first ten days (Awal Ramadan) represent the "Ashrah of Mercy," making it an especially powerful time for spiritual pursuits.

Key considerations for Ramadan Umrah:

• Higher rewards but larger crowds: While the spiritual benefits are immense, Ramadan is the busiest season for Umrah, requiring careful planning.
• Weather preparedness: February-March temperatures in Saudi Arabia can be warm, typically ranging from 15°C to 27°C, which is manageable compared to summer months.
• Booking advantage: Planning your own DIY Umrah can save significant costs compared to packaged tours while offering greater flexibility.

DIY Itinerary: 11-Day DIY Umrah (February 14-24, 2026)

Day 1–2: Kuala Lumpur → Sharjah (Transit) → Jeddah → Madinah (3N)

• Depart KLIA: 14 February, 09:45 (Air Arabia)

• Next morning flight: 15 February, 07:30 Sharjah → 09:40 Jeddah (North Terminal).
• Transfer to Jeddah Terminal 1  via ride-sharing (approx. SAR50/car) 
• Take NWBus from Jeddah Terminal 1 to Medina Bus Station (Jabal Ohud) at 14:15 (SAR96)
• Arrive at Medina Bus Station at 19:10, then use Uber/Careem to your hotel (SAR50/car).

📌 Tips:

• This extended layover allows you to experience another Muslim culture while breaking up the long journey
• Download Nusuk app to book Rawdah visit.
• Download Uber/Careem apps for transport.

Days 2-5: Medina (3 Nights) - The City of the Prophet

After arriving in Jeddah and traveling to Medina, you will spend three nights here, giving you time to rest, pray, and explore.

• Accommodation : Artal Taibah Hotel (8.1/10 Very Good)

Located close to Masjid Nabawi, offering comfortable rooms and easy access. Total price 1 room for 3 nights are  RM1,414 (Quad Room), RM1,318 (Triple Room) and RM1,256 (Double Room) 👉 Book your stay at Artal Taibah Hotel with Trip.com

• Suggested Activities
  • Perform daily prayers at Masjid Nabawi and take time for spiritual reflection.
  • Visit Raudhah (book your slot in advance through the Nusuk app).
  • Take a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour around Medina to see historical sites such as Quba Mosque, Uhud Mountain, and Qiblatain Mosque.
  • Spend quiet evenings at Masjid Nabawi, immersing yourself in the serenity of Medina.

• Transport Notes
  • Use Careem/Uber for local trips around Medina.
  • Plan your transfer to Madinah Haramain High-Speed Railway Station on Day 5 (shared ride is most cost-efficient).

Day 5: Medina → Makkah (6 Nights) - Start of Umrah

• Check-out from your Medina hotel around noon.
  • Change into Ihram before leaving. The Miqat point (Dhul-Hulaifah / Bir Ali) is only about 7 minutes after departure from the Madinah Haramain High-Speed Railway Station, so it’s best to already be in Ihram before boarding the train.
• 13:30 – Take a Careem/Uber (shared between 3–4 pax) from hotel to the station  (SAR50/car).
• 14:00 – Arrive at the station, clear boarding procedures.
• 14:30 – Board the Haramain High-Speed Rail to Makkah  (SAR186.30).
• 16:45 – Arrive in Makkah, then take a Careem/Uber to your hotel  (SAR50/car).
• Check-in and leave luggage at the hotel.
  • Accommodation: Makarem Al-Bait Hotel (7.8/10 rating) 

Offers free shuttle to Haram Total price 1 room for 6 nights are  RM1,946 (Quad Room), RM1,790 (Triple Room) and RM1,657 (Double Room) 👉 Book your stay at Makarem Al-Bait Hotel with Trip.com Proceed immediately to Masjid Al-Haram to perform your Umrah rituals (Tawaf, Sa’i, Tahallul). Rest after completing your Umrah.

• Proceed immediately to Masjid Al-Haram to perform your Umrah rituals (Tawaf, Sa’i, Tahallul).
• Rest after completing your Umrah.

📌 Tips:

• Make your Umrah appointment in advance via the Nusuk app.
• Stay hydrated and pace yourself — the first Umrah can be physically demanding after a long journey.
• Keep a small bag with slippers, Zamzam water bottle, and prayer essentials for easy access.

Day 6 – Spiritual Rejuvenation

• Perform five daily prayers in Masjid Al-Haram.
• Spend time in Tawaf Sunnah (non-Umrah circumambulation).
• Optional: Visit Hira Cultural Center to learn about the early history of Islam.
• Evening: Relax at hotel or explore local shops around the Haram.

Day 7 – Ziarah Around Makkah

• Evening: Join a guided lecture if available at the Haram.

Day 8 – Knowledge & Reflection

• Morning: Rest or light shopping at Aziziyah area.
• Afternoon: Visit Makkah Museum (history & Islamic artifacts).
• Evening: Perform extra Tawaf for spiritual closeness.

Day 9 - 10  – Preparation & Gratitude

• Make a checklist for return trip (documents, luggage, gifts).
• Buy dates, Zamzam bottles, prayer mats, souvenirs for family.
• Evening: Spend extra time in Haram for Ibadah (Qiyam, Quran recitation).

Day 11 – Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf Wada’)

• Check out from hotel (before 10am).
• Perform Tawaf Wada’ — the farewell circumambulation.
• Transportation:
  • Take a Careem/Uber (shared between 3–4 pax) from hotel to Mecca Bus Station (Jarwal)  (SAR50/car).
  • NWBus from Mecca Bus Station (Jarwal) to Jeddah Airport North Terminal at 10:00 (SAR40)
  • Arrive at Jeddah Airport at 11:55 .
• Prepare for return flight.
  • Flight: Depart Jeddah at 17:00, transit in Abu Dhabi (50 minutes), arrive Kuala Lumpur at 08:45 on February 25.

Detailed Cost Breakdown (Per Person in MYR)

Table: Estimated DIY Umrah Costs for Different Group Sizes

💡 Note: The estimated cost of below RM5,000 is based on quad sharing, excludes meals and personal expenses, and may vary depending on travel dates and booking platforms.

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Although Saudi eVisa includes basic coverage, it may not cover:

• Trip disruptions (delays, cancellations).
• Lost or delayed baggage.
• Multi-country stopovers (Umrah Plus).

That’s why many travellers add extra insurance (from Trip.com or others) for full protection and peace of mind.

Essential Planning Tips for DIY Umrah

1. Book Early for Best Value

• Flights: Reserve 3-4 months in advance to secure better prices
• Hotels: Properties near the Haram fill quickly during Ramadan; book early for availability and better rates
• Flexibility: Consider traveling just before or after peak seasons for potential savings

2. Essential Apps & Digital Tools

• Nusuk: Official Saudi app for Umrah permits and Rawdah appointments
• Careem/Uber: For convenient transportation in Saudi cities
• Trip.com: Useful for comparing flight options and booking accommodations
• Google Translate: Helpful for navigating Arabic signs and menus

3. Spiritual & Practical Preparation

• Learn rituals beforehand: Familiarize yourself with Umrah steps and prayers to reduce stress
• Pack practically: Include comfortable footwear, Ihram clothingand essential medications
• Stay hydrated: Especially important when fasting during Ramadan in a warm climate

Key Takeaways

• DIY Umrah is possible if you’re comfortable with booking flights, hotels, and transport online.
• Budgeting helps you compare DIY vs travel agency packages.
• Always ensure your insurance covers your entire itinerary, especially if you plan stopovers.
• Use trusted platforms like Trip.com for flights, hotels, and insurance.

Final Note:

This guide is for education and sharing only. If you prefer hassle-free arrangements, licensed travel agencies offer complete packages. If you enjoy flexibility, DIY Umrah allows you to customise your trip and manage your budget — while still ensuring a meaningful ibadah. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from this information.

👉 Ready to start planning? You can easily search and book flights, hotels and travel insurance through Trip.com, making your DIY Umrah smoother and more convenient.

Disclaimer: This content contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make bookings through the recommended links, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of more valuable content like this.