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👉 Click to Book NowUmrah First, Travel Next: A Muslim’s Dream Trip from Jeddah to the World
Salaam, friends,
For many of us, performing Umrah is a lifelong dream. But what if it could be the start of something even bigger?
With the right visa and budget, your Umrah can become the gateway to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — visiting Muslim-friendly destinations, exploring Islamic heritage, and returning to Makkah again, all within a single year.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining spiritual fulfillment with global exploration, this guide is for you. After completing your Umrah, why go straight home when the world is at your feet — starting from Jeddah?
Thanks to budget-friendly flights from airlines like Flynas, Jazeera Airways, and Qatar Airways, you can explore beautiful destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and even Europe.
🌟 The Best Part?
If you’re holding a Saudi Tourist eVisa (valid for 1 year, multiple entries), you can re-enter Saudi Arabia and perform another Umrah anytime within the visa validity. That means you could:
- Perform Umrah
- Travel to other countries
- Return to Saudi — either for another Umrah or just to fly back home from Jeddah.
✈️ Why Travel After Umrah?
- Save on Costs: With a multiple-entry Saudi eVisa, you avoid extra visa applications and can plan an extended, value-packed trip.
- Make It Meaningful: Visiting Muslim-majority countries or places rich in Islamic history deepens the spiritual and cultural significance of your journey.
- Easy International Access: Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport connects to over 150 destinations worldwide.
💡 Tip: Book early on HalalBooking.com — they offer halal-friendly stays with options like Haram views, women-only facilities, and free shuttles.
🌍 My Post-Umrah Dream Destinations (If Time & Budget Allow!)
To be honest, if I have enough money and time, I would love to explore one of these five destinations after Umrah. Each one is Muslim-friendly, rich in culture, and accessible from Jeddah via low-cost airlines. Let me share a little about each of them, in case you're planning too!
🕌 1. Moscow, Russia: Islamic Heritage & Epic Rail Journeys
Why Go? A mix of Islamic heritage, beautiful architecture, and an unforgettable train ride.
Must Visit:
- Moscow Central Mosque (Europe’s largest)
- Red Square & Kremlin
- Kazan Cathedral (coexistence of faiths)
- Izmailovo Market
🚂 Optional Adventure: Take the legendary Moscow to Baku train (52 hours!) for scenic, slow travel.
🍴 Must-Try: Tatar halal food, chak-chak, grilled meats
🛏️ Stay: Fortis Moskva Dubrovka Hotel
Visa for Malaysians: Apply online or through the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur . Start at least 3–4 weeks early.
Estimated Cost (5 Days):
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Visa Expenses | 300 – 400 |
| Flight ( Flynas / Jazeera Airways ) | 1,800 - 2,000 |
| Accommodation (twin-sharing Fortis Moskva Dubrovka Hotel via Traveloka ) | 400 - 600 |
| Local transport/Tours | 150 - 350 |
| Meals ( RM50 - RM100 p/day) | 250 - 500 |
| 💰 Total | 2,950 - 3,850 |
Optional: Moscow-Baku train (~€135 / RM650)
🌙 2. Baku, Azerbaijan: Fire Temples & Coastal Mosques
Why Go? Historic Islamic roots, stunning skyline, and delicious food.
Must Visit:
- Heydar Mosque
- Old City & Muhammad Mosque
- Flame Towers
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque
🍴 Try: Plov, dolma, gutab (herb pancakes)
🛏️ Stay: Maajid Hotel & Restaurant (halal-certified), or Sapphire Bayil Hotel
Gabala,Shamakhi, Caucasus mountains Day Trip Tour by Pelago Travel
Visa for Malaysians: Apply via the fast ASAN eVisa system or get visa on arrival.
Estimated Cost (5 Days):
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Visa Expenses | 100 |
| Flight ( Flynas / Jazeera Airways ) | 1,160 - 1,300 |
| Accommodation (twin-sharing Maajid Hotel & Restaurant via Halalbooking.com ) | 250 - 500 |
| Local transport/Tours | 150 - 350 |
| Meals ( RM50 - RM100 p/day) | 250 - 500 |
| 💰 Total | 1,910 - 2750 |
🏞️ 3. Tbilisi, Georgia: Cross-Cultural Caucasus Charm
Why Go? Cross-cultural experience and mountain views.
Must Visit:
- Jumah Mosque (shared by Sunni & Shia)
- Narikala Fortress
- Old Town & Sulfur Baths
🍴 Try: Khachapuri (vegetarian), fresh breads, grilled meats
🛏️ Tip: Take a bus/train from Baku if flying feels too expensive.
Old Tbilisi & Mtskheta. Private tour by Pelago Travel
Visa for Malaysians: Visa-free entry for up to 1 year. Just carry proof of accommodation, financial means, and insurance.
👉 More info
Estimated Cost (5 Days):
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Visa Expenses | Free |
| Flight ( Flynas / Jazeera Airways ) | 1,300 - 1,500 |
| Accommodation (twin-sharing Metekhi Line, Tblisi via Halalbooking.com ) | 380 - 500 |
| Local transport/Tours | 200 - 400 |
| Meals ( RM50 - RM100 p/day) | 250 - 500 |
| 💰 Total | 2,130 - 2,900 |
Bus from Baku: 6 hours (~RM 90).
🕌 4. Istanbul & Anatolia, Türkiye: Ottoman Glory & Sufi Trails
Why Go? Ottoman history, beautiful mosques, and rich culture.
🗺️ Suggested 7-Day Itinerary:
- Istanbul (2 N): Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace
- Bursa (1 N): Grand Mosque, Mount Uludağ
- Cappadocia (2 N): Hot air balloons, cave hotels
- Konya (1 N): Rumi’s resting place
🍴 Try: Doner, Lahmacun, Iskender Kebab, Turkish breakfast
🛏️ Stay: Halal hotels (alcohol-free, prayer facilities via HalalBooking.com)
Visa for Malaysians: Visa-free for up to 90 days.
👉 Visa info
Estimated Cost (7 Days):
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Visa Expenses | Free |
| Flight ( Flynas / Jazeera Airways ) | 620 - 900 |
| Accommodation (via Halalbooking.com ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Local transport/Tours | 500 - 750 |
| Meals ( RM50 - RM100 p/day) | 350 - 700 |
| 💰 Total | 1,950 - 2,950 |
Use Pegasus Airlines or FlixBus for domestic hops.
🏛️ 5. Cairo & Alexandria, Egypt: Pyramids & Coastal Faith
Why Go? Islamic history meets ancient civilization.
Must Visit:
- Pyramids of Giza
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Citadel of Salahuddin
- Abu Abbas Mosque (Alexandria)
🍴 Try: Koshari, ful medames, grilled lamb
🛏️ Stay: Halal-friendly hotels in Giza or Old Cairo
Heritage Tour - 1 Day Tour by Klook Travel
Visa for Malaysians: eVisa via Egypt eVisa portal or visa on arrival.
Estimated Cost (5 Days):
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Visa Expenses | 120 |
| Flight ( Flynas / Jazeera Airways ) | 700 - 800 |
| Accommodation (via Halalbooking.com ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Local transport/Tours | 250 - 500 |
| Meals ( RM50 - RM100 p/day) | 250 - 500 |
| 💰 Total | 1,690 - 2,350 |
🔁 Can I Re-Enter Saudi Arabia?
✅ Yes! That’s the beauty of the 1-year Saudi Tourist Visa — after visiting other countries, you can return and perform Umrah again within the same visa period. Just keep an eye on your visa expiry date and entry validity.
🧳 What I’d Pack for a Spiritual Travel Adventure:
Here are some travel-friendly items I’d bring along (also great for affiliate links):
- Pocket Prayer Mat (lightweight, folds to phone-size).
- Digital Qibla Compass (app or physical device).
- Translator Earbuds (for Russian/Georgian/Azeri).
- Modest Travel Wear (breathable abayas/scarves).
- Reusable Water Bottle (with filter for tap water).
💡 Final Thought: The “Umrah Plus” Experience
Your journey doesn't have to end in Makkah. With the flexibility of a tourist visa and affordable regional flights, your Umrah can become the heart of a transformative travel experience.
Whether you visit Baku, Istanbul, Cairo, or Moscow — don’t just travel as a tourist. Travel as a seeker, a modern Ibn Battuta following the footprints of the Ummah.
✨ Ready to Take Your Umrah Beyond the Haram?
Drop your questions, plans, or experiences in the comments below!
📍 Bookmark AaraStories for more DIY Umrah tips and Muslim travel inspiration.
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