Umrah Plus UAE & Turkey: Preliminary Plan for a 20-Day Journey on a Budget

After an insightful initial discussion with besties, we’ve sketched out a preliminary plan for a 20-day Umrah Plus trip. This journey combines spiritual devotion with the cultural and historical richness of the UAE and Turkey. Our aim is to keep the total cost within MYR10,000 per person, excluding Al Ula to maintain budget flexibility.

This draft serves as a foundation for further refinement. Our next meeting will focus on adjusting costs, identifying opportunities for savings, and ensuring a balanced itinerary while keeping a financial buffer. Here’s an overview of what we’ve planned so far:

1. Understanding the Itinerary

The Umrah Plus UAE & Turkey journey offers a unique combination of spiritual fulfillment and cultural exploration.

• Duration: 20 days (low season: July – August, Muharram – Safar).
• Route Overview:
  • Malaysia → Saudi Arabia (Umrah in Makkah and Madinah).
  • Abu Dhabi & Dubai (UAE stopover)\
  • Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir, Usak, Cappadocia, Ankara)

2. Visa Requirements

a) Saudi Arabia

• Type: Tourist Visa (permits Umrah).
• Cost: ~MYR450.
• Processing: Online via the Saudi eVisa portal.

b) UAE

• Malaysians: Visa-free for up to 30 days.

c) Turkey

• Malaysians: Visa-free for up to 90 days.

Important: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your travel date.

3. Steps to Plan Your Trip

• Book Flights:
  Look for airlines offering stopovers in Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
• Apply for Visas:
  Secure the Saudi tourist visa early; Malaysians don’t need visas for UAE and Turkey.
• Accommodation:
  Opt for budget hotels or apartments near key attractions or mosques.
• Local Transportation:
  Rely on buses, trains, and metro services for cost efficiency, especially in Turkey.
• Packing Essentials:
  Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing for summer, and Umrah necessities.

4. Preliminary Cost Overview

5. Day-by-Day Itinerary

Days 1–4: UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai)

• Abu Dhabi Highlights:
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Marvel at its grandeur and intricate designs.
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi: A cultural and artistic landmark.
     
• Dubai Highlights:
  • Burj Khalifa: Admire the tallest building in the world.
  • Dubai Creek & Old Town: Explore the heritage of this vibrant city.
  • Dubai Mall: Indulge in shopping and entertainment.
     
• Budget Tips:
  • Leverage Etihad Airways' complimentary 2-night stopover in Abu Dhabi.
  • Use buses for Abu Dhabi–Dubai travel (MYR40 round trip).
  • Enjoy DIY city tours using complementary transport in Abu Dhabi.

Days 4–14: Saudi Arabia (Umrah in Madinah & Makkah)

• Madinah Highlights (6D/5N):
  • Masjid An-Nabawi, Quba Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque.
  • Optional: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour (MYR100).
• Makkah Highlights (6D/5N):
  • Perform Umrah rituals at Masjid Al-Haram.
  • Visit Hira Cave and other historical landmarks (MYR100).
• Transportation:
  • For travel between Jeddah, Madinah, and Makkah, consider the Haramain High-Speed Train for a comfortable and efficient journey. Alternatively, opt for bus services as a more budget-friendly option.
• Budget Tips:
  • Reserve accommodations well in advance to secure rates below MYR200 per room or approximately MYR70–80 per person per night.
  • Consider sharing group transport between cities for cost efficiency.

Days 14–21: Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir, Uşak, Cappadocia, Ankara)

• Istanbul Highlights (3D/2N):
  • Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
  • Enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise or a Big Bus City Tour (MYR200).
• Izmir & Uşak (3D/2N):
  • Transit through Izmir Clock Tower and Konak Square.
  • Dive into Uşak’s rich Ottoman history.
• Cappadocia Highlights (2D/1N):
  • Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride (MYR300).
  • Visit ancient underground cities.
• Ankara Highlights (3D/2N):
  • Tour Anıtkabir and Ankara’s historic old town.
• Budget Tips:
  • Use intercity buses and trains for economical travel.
  • Coordinate group travel for Cappadocia to share transportation costs.

6. Detailed Expense Breakdown

• Flight Costs:

• Accommodation (Twin Sharing):

  • Total: MYR1,550 (details as per itinerary).

• Transport

  • Total: MYR650 (local and intercity travel).

• Tours & Attractions:

  • Total: MYR970 (details as per itinerary).

  
7.  Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel

1. Flight Promotions: Look for Saudia Airlines' August discounts.
2. Accommodation Deals: Use platforms like Trip.com and Halalbooking.com.
3. Local Transport: Use public transportation or group van rentals.
4. DIY Tours: Research self-guided tours to save on tour guides.
5. Food Expenses: Dine at local eateries for authentic yet affordable meals.

8. Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Stay Hydrated: Essential in the summer heat of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
• Travel Insurance: Cover medical emergencies and unexpected cancellations.
• Apps for Navigation: Use Islamic apps for prayer times and navigation tools for city travel.
• Pack Smart: Include essentials for both the spiritual journey and cultural exploration.

Conclusion

The Umrah Plus journey through UAE and Turkey offers a fulfilling blend of spiritual growth and cultural discovery. With careful planning and a budget-conscious approach, this trip can be an enriching and memorable experience.

InsyaAllah!

Disclaimer:
Artikel ini bertujuan untuk memberi panduan umum dan tips praktikal berdasarkan pengalaman dan informasi yang diperoleh. Penggunaan produk melalui pautan afiliasi TikTok adalah pilihan peribadi pembaca, dan kami mungkin menerima komisen kecil tanpa sebarang kos tambahan kepada anda. Pastikan anda memeriksa kesesuaian produk dengan keperluan individu anda sebelum membeli.