Umrah Your Way : A 7-Night DIY Umrah Plan with Trip.com (From RM2,696.39)

Umrah Your Way:   
A 7-Night DIY Umrah Plan with Trip.com (From RM2,696.39)

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Performing Umrah is a profoundly personal spiritual journey, a dream for many believers. While traditional travel agency packages offer convenience, a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah approach empowers you with greater flexibility, potential cost savings, and the ability to tailor every aspect of your pilgrimage to your personal rhythm and budget.

This guide humbly presents a framework for a 7-night DIY Umrah package, focusing on land arrangements you can book yourself. It is designed for those who wish to secure their own flights via Trip.com and enjoy the freedom to potentially extend their journey to other destinations. We'll walk through hotel options, transportation, and essential tips to help you plan a meaningful and smooth spiritual experience.

1. Why Choose a DIY Umrah?

Opting for a DIY Umrah is about taking control of your spiritual voyage. This approach is often favored by those who have performed Umrah before or are comfortable planning international travel.

• Flexibility: You choose your own flights, travel dates, and daily itinerary. Want to spend more time in prayer at the Haram or add a stopover in Istanbul? You can.
• Budget Control: You manage your spending directly, often leading to significant savings, especially for families, as you can avoid agency markups and choose accommodations that fit your budget.
• Customization: Tailor your trip beyond Umrah. This package is perfect for those wanting to continue their travel to countries like Turkey, Egypt, or Uzbekistan, hence the advice to travel light.

2. Visa Information: Saudi Tourist eVisa

• Cost: The Saudi Tourist eVisa costs approximately SAR 395 (≈ MYR 443.94) and includes mandatory health insurance coverage for your stay.
• Process: For many nationalities, this can be applied for online directly through the official Visit Saudi portal, with approvals often granted quickly. Always check the latest requirements based on your passport.

3. Package Overview: 7 Nights of Spiritual Serenity

This framework covers a 7-night stay in the holy cities:

• 3 Nights in Madinah: To visit the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) and the sacred sites in peace.
• 4 Nights in Makkah: To perform your Umrah rites and immerse yourself in worship near the Kaaba.
• Flights are not included. This allows you to use Trip.com to find the best deals for your dates and potentially book multi-city itineraries (e.g., Kuala Lumpur → Jeddah → Istanbul → Kuala Lumpur).

4. Finding Your Sanctuary: Hotel Stays

Your hotel is your retreat. Using Trip.com 's filters, you can find hotels based on proximity to the Haram, guest reviews, and amenities.

Madinah (3 Nights)

• Sample Hotel: Zaha Al Madina Hotel
• Key Feature: Within walking distance to Masjid An Nabawi.
• Rating: 7.1/10
• Estimated Price: Standard Twin Room - MYR 860.26 for 3 nights or ~MYR 430.13 per person (Prices vary significantly by season; booking early is advised).

Makkah (4 Nights)

• Sample Hotel: Al Kiswah Towers Hotel
• Key Feature: Haram is within a 19-minute walk (1.2 km). For closer options, use Trip.com 's "Distance to Haram" filter.
• Rating: 8.2/10 – Very Good
• Estimated Price:  Standard Twin Room - MYR 552.34 for 4 nights or ~MYR 276.17 per person

Important Note: Prices fluctuate dramatically, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan. The prices above are estimates; always check Trip.com for live rates and book options with free cancellation where possible for flexibility.

5. Navigating the Holy Land: Ground Transportation

Efficient transport is key to a stress-free journey. This plan combines affordable intercity buses with convenient ride-hailing apps.

Sample Transfers & Costs (per person)

  
Pro Tips:

• Terminal Transfer: The NWBus and high-speed train station are at Terminal 1. If you land at another terminal, use a taxi/Careem/Uber (~SAR 50) or look for a free airport shuttle.
• Ride-Hailing: Careem and Uber are widely available and often more reliable than hailing local taxis, which may require negotiation.
• Haramain High-Speed Train: For a faster and more comfortable journey between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah (approx. 2.5 hours), consider the train. Economy class from Makkah to Madinah costs around SAR 175.

6. A Suggested Spiritual Itinerary (7 Nights)

• Day 1: Arrival in Madinah

  • Arrive at Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED) airport. Transfer to your hotel.
  • Visit the serene Masjid An Nabawi for your first prayers. Offer salams at the Rawdah if possible (book via the Nusuk app).

• Day 2–3: Spiritual Immersion in Madinah

  • Perform prayers at Masjid An Nabawi. Visit significant sites: Quba Mosque (the first mosque in Islam), Masjid Qiblatain, and the field of Uhud to pay respects to the martyrs.
  • Spend evenings in deep contemplation and prayer at the mosque.

• Day 4: Transfer to Makkah & Perform Umrah

  • Travel to Makkah via bus. Assume Ihram at the Miqat when the bus stops.
  • Check into your hotel in Makkah. Perform your Umrah rites (Tawaf and Sa'i) upon arrival.

• Day 5–7: Ibadah & Reflection in Makkah

  • Dedicate these days to worship. Perform voluntary Tawafs, pray at the Mataf, and make sincere du'a.
  • Optionally, visit historical sites like Jabal al-Noor (Hira Cave) and Jabal Thawr.

• Day 8: Return Journey

  • Perform a final Tawaf al-Wada' (Farewell Tawaf) if possible.
  • Travel to Jeddah Airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

7. Budget Summary (Land Arrangements per Person)

This estimate covers core expenses excluding flights and major meals.

Disclaimer: This is a pre-pandemic estimate. Prices for hotels and transport can vary based on season, availability, and inflation. This total serves as a baseline for your budgeting.

8. Booking Your Flights with Trip.com  

Since flights are not included, you have complete freedom:

• Use the Trip.com flight search to find the best deals from your home city to Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED).
• Consider multi-city itineraries if you plan to travel onwards (e.g., Kuala Lumpur → Jeddah → Istanbul → Kuala Lumpur).

9. Travel Light for a seamless UmrahPlus Journey

A key advantage of this DIY plan is the ease of extending your trip. If you plan to explore Turkey or elsewhere after Umrah:

• Courier Items Home: Before your onward flight, consider couriering purchased items like dates or Zamzam water home to lighten your luggage.
• Pack Light: Aim for a single carry-on (7-10 kg) for the ultimate mobility freedom during your extensions.
• Book Onward Flights: Use Trip.com to find affordable regional flights from Jeddah to Istanbul, Cairo, or other destinations.

10. UmrahPlus: Extending Your Spiritual Journey

The world is open to you after your pilgrimage. Consider turning your journey into a deeper exploration:

• Umrah Plus Istanbul & Bursa: A 12-Day Spiritual & Cultural Escape for RM6,999.99
• Ultimate DIY Umrah Plus: 16 Days Across Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, Cappadocia & Ankara – RM7,762.18
   

For more inspiration on planning complex itineraries, check out our guide on Smart Travel with Trip.com

11. Final Thoughts

Embarking on a DIY Umrah is a rewarding endeavor that places you at the helm of your spiritual journey. It requires more personal research and preparation but offers unmatched flexibility and a deep sense of accomplishment.

This 7-night package framework, partnered with Trip.com for your flight and hotel bookings, provides a solid foundation. May your planning be eased, your journey be blessed, and your prayers be accepted by Allah SWT.

Wasalaamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Disclaimer: All costs, operating hours, and visa regulations are subject to change. The information provided is based on research and pre-pandemic estimates. It is your responsibility to verify all details, including visa requirements for your nationality, current transportation schedules, and hotel prices, before booking. This blog is a guide and not a substitute for your own due diligence.