Checklist Essentials:

☑️   Visa: Ensure your visa is approved via platforms like Nusuk.sa.

☑️   Flight: Book your flights with reliable airlines and explore stopover packages for added convenience. ( Flight Search Made Easy: A Checklist for DIY Umrah Travelers )

☑️   Transportation: Plan and book your intercity and intracity transport to avoid last-minute confusion. (Navigating Transportation for DIY Umrah: Your Ultimate Checklist)

☑️   Hotel: Secure accommodations close to the Haram or Masjid Nabawi for ease of access. ( Checklist for DIY Umrah: Hotel Search & Booking )

☑️   Others:

• Tour: Consider guided or self-guided tours to explore historical and spiritual sites.
• Travel Essentials: Items like Ihram, prayer mats, and portable chargers.
• Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances like flight delays or emergencies.
• E-SIM: Stay connected without the hassle of buying local SIM cards. Platforms like Airalo are great options.
• DIY Umrah Plus: Extend your trip to destinations like Egypt, Turkey, or UAE for a richer experience. 

Tour

Exploring the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah can be enhanced with guided tours.

• In Madinah:
  The most affordable and comprehensive way to visit historical sites is through the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Al Madinah, which covers key landmarks with pre-recorded guides available in multiple languages, including English and Bahasa Melayu.

• In Makkah:
  Don’t miss the opportunity to visit significant sites such as Cave Hira, where the first revelation of the Quran was received.

• Explore historical and cultural sites through reliable platforms offering curated tours, such as:
  • Pelago (subsidiary of Singapore Airlines)
  • Klook Travel
  • Expedia

Travel Essentials

Preparation is key for a smooth Umrah journey. Visit AaraStories TikTok Showcase for essential items such as Ihram sets, Umrah slippers, Doa cards, and more.

Below are travel essentials recommended by Tuan Haji Ahmad Faizi ( shared on FB Group Umrah DIY), shared in April 2024 ( that you may buy from AaraStories TikTok Showcase):

1. Small Foldable Knife :  Handy for cutting fruits or other basic needs. Ensure it's travel-compliant.
2. Maggi Mee : Convenient for quick meals, as the taste of local instant noodles may differ.
3. Chili Sauce :  Many places in the Holy Cities offer only tomato sauce. Bring a small bottle for a touch of familiarity.
4. Basic Medications 
   ☐ Panadol or Actifast for headaches or fever.
   ☐ Cold remedies and other essentials.
5. Small Backpack :  Useful for carrying snacks, drinks, or other items while spending extended hours in the mosque.
6. Small Spray Bottle :  Helps with Wudu during crowded times in the mosque.
7. Utensils and Tableware : Bring a set of spoons, plates, and cups for shared meals in your accommodation.
8. Toiletries
   ☐ Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
   ☐ Personal hygiene items for freshness and comfort.
9. Condiments : Small packets of salt, sugar, soy sauce, coffee, and tea can enhance your meals.
10. Clothesline and Detergent : A clothesline for drying washed clothes is especially handy for budget travelers.
11. Portable Hangers : Lightweight wire hangers help organize your clothes.
12. Additional Items
    ☐ Power bank and chargers.
    ☐ Compact water filter (optional).
    ☐ Notebook for notes or prayers.

Travel Insurance

Protect your trip with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Recommended:

• Travel Guard by AIG (Malaysia residents) : Get Travel Guard

• USB keychain preloaded with Quran recitations is another must-have for spiritual inspiration during travel or moments of reflection.

E-SIM

Stay connected throughout your journey with an affordable and reliable eSIM.

• Airalo eSIM :    Get an eSIM

DIY Umrah Plus

If you plan to extend your Umrah trip to include other destinations, your Saudi Tourist Visa allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia.

Tips for DIY Umrah Plus:

• Travel Light:
  • If you have a large suitcase, consider leaving it at Jeddah Airport’s luggage storage facility (near Haramain Train Ticketing) for an additional cost.
  • Alternatively, travel with your luggage, but pack minimally.

• Flynas for Domestic & International Flights:
  • Flynas offers competitive fares to destinations like Tabuk, Riyadh, Sarajevo, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan.
  • Book flexible tickets to manage your budget effectively.

• Match Arrival and Departure Airports:
  • Ensure your return flight home departs from the same airport where you stored your luggage (e.g., Jeddah Airport).
  • Note: As of now, Madinah Airport does not offer luggage storage facilities.
• Recommended Flynas Links:
     Flynas Booking

Travel Seasons & Weather:

Plan according to your preferred season and weather. Keep in mind that summer months (July to October) can be extremely hot in Saudi Arabia.

By following these recommendations, your DIY Umrah Plus journey can be both spiritual and enriching, allowing you to explore beyond the Holy Cities with ease.

Disclaimer

The above itinerary is a proposed DIY (Do-It-Yourself) trip intended for informational and planning purposes only. All arrangements, including visa applications, flight bookings, bus or train tickets, and hotel accommodations, must be undertaken personally by the travelers. Travelers are advised to ensure compliance with all travel regulations and requirements.

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