DIY Umrah Under RM5K: How I Found Flight Deals on Trip.com & Planned My Budget
Salam and welcome, fellow travelers! Ever dreamt of performing Umrah but thought it was too expensive? I'm just like you—a regular person looking for a way to make this spiritual journey affordable. While browsing Trip.com recently, I stumbled upon some incredible flight deals that can make a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah trip a reality for under RM5,000.
This isn't a sponsored post; it's just me sharing my exciting findings and a sample budget to show you how it's possible. Let's break it down together!
1. The Golden Find: Flight Deals on Trip.com
I discovered that Trip.com regularly offers amazing promotions with various airlines. The one that caught my eye was their ongoing deal with Turkish Airlines.
- Booking Period: Until 19 September 2025
- Travel Period: Until 31 March 2026
Promo Code: Use the code for RM100 OFF on a minimum spend of RM2,000 for Turkish Airlines flights from Malaysia.
The Best Part for Umrah Travelers:
I found a round-trip fare from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Medina (MED) for just RM2,571! This is an incredible starting point for a budget journey.Example Deal Link: Turkish Airlines Deals on Trip.com
Turkish Airlines Deals on Trip.com
Pro Tip: The advertised price is usually for a specific duration (e.g., 8 days). If you want to stay longer, just adjust the dates on the website—the price might change slightly, but it often remains very affordable. Plus, check out Trip.com's "Air Flexibility" policy , which offers free changes under certain conditions, giving you peace of mind.
Al Kiswah Towers Hotel (Rating 8.2/10 Very Good)  Umrah Features
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2. The Budget Breakdown: How to Stay Under RM5,000
Here’s a rough estimate of how I planned the expenses for an 8-day trip. The key is smart choices!
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (MYR) | Notes |
| Airfare (KUL-MED) | 2,571 | Round-trip with Turkish Airlines via Trip.com deal |
| Saudi Tourist e-Visa | ~442 | Approximately SAR 395 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | 350 | Opting for a budget-friendly quad room (twin sharing can be ~RM700) |
| Meals (8 days) | 400 | Estimating RM50 per day |
| Transport (Medina-Makkah) | 267 | Using buses (SAR 238) instead of the faster Haramain train (SAR 380 / ~RM425) |
| Miscellaneous (Zakat, gifts, etc.) | 500 | Keeping souvenirs and extra spending in check |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | 4,530 | ✅ Well under the RM5,000 goal! |
Sidra Alia Al-Dahabi Hotel (Rating 7.1/10 )  Umrah Features ▪️ Triple Room : From RM176 per night |
How to Achieve These Savings:
- Choose Budget Accommodation: Hostels or hotels with quad-sharing rooms drastically reduce costs.
- Use Buses Between Cities: The bus from Medina to Makkah is much cheaper than the train, though it takes longer.
- Manage Daily Expenses: Plan your meals and set a strict budget for souvenirs.
Luxury Bosphorus Yacht Cruise – Stopover in Asian Side  Experience some luxury on this 2.5-hour yacht cruise down the Bosphorus. It's a small group tour that is designed to help travelers spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. |
3. The Bonus: A Free Layover Tour in Istanbul!
One of the best parts of flying with Turkish Airlines is the layover in Istanbul. The deal I found often includes a long connection time—perfect for a quick guided day tour!
- Visa: Malaysian passport holders get visa-free entry to Turkey for tourism purposes for a certain period. Always double-check the latest regulations before you travel, but this is a huge bonus!
- Experience: You can step out of the airport, explore a bit of Istanbul's history, and have a story to tell—all without an extra flight cost.
4. Important Tips for Your DIY Umrah Trip
- Book Early: Flight deals sell out fast. Secure your tickets as soon as you have your dates.
- Check Visa Requirements: Apply for your Saudi Umrah visa through an accredited agent. The process is straightforward but requires time.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Decide how many days you want in Medina and Makkah. An 8-day trip is tight but very doable (e.g., 3 days in Medina, 4 in Makkah, 1 for travel).
- Download Essential Apps: Use the Nusuk app for your Umrah permit and Google Maps for navigation.
- Pack Smart: Don’t forget your Ihram, comfortable shoes, a dua book, and a small bag for your essentials during Tawaf.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. As my browsing on Trip.com shows, with a little research and flexible planning, a DIY Umrah trip for under RM5,000 is absolutely achievable. This budget plan even includes a bonus mini-vacation in Istanbul!
I hope this personal discovery of mine helps you plan your own spiritual adventure. May Allah SWT ease your journey and accept your prayers.
Disclaimer: Prices and promotions shown are based on research at the time of writing and are subject to change. Always check the latest prices, visa rules, and terms & conditions on official websites like Trip.com and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before booking your travel.
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