Planning an Umrah trip is a sacred journey for every Muslim, and for many Malaysians, it's a dream that requires financial planning. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank. With the right strategy and a few travel hacks, it’s entirely possible to book a budget-friendly Umrah trip covering everything from flights to accommodation—and even special packages.

Here’s how you can make the most of your journey without compromising on comfort or spiritual fulfilment.

1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Your choice of dates can significantly affect your Umrah budget. Avoid school holidays, Ramadan, and year-end breaks when prices for flights and hotels surge. Instead, consider travelling during the “off-peak” periods—like early February or after Aidiladha. The weather is more bearable, crowds are thinner, and you’re more likely to find better airfares and accommodation deals.

2. Book Your Flights 2–3 Months in Advance

The sweet spot for booking international flights—especially to Jeddah or Madinah—is usually two to three months ahead. This allows you to monitor price trends and grab the best deals without the panic of last-minute planning. Mid-week departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) often have lower fares than weekend departures.

3. Consider Alternative Routes

If you’re open to slightly longer journeys, flying via regional hubs like Doha, Muscat or Abu Dhabi can sometimes be more affordable than direct flights. These layovers are usually brief and handled well by reputable airlines. Just make sure you allow sufficient transit time, especially if you’re travelling with elderly pilgrims.

4. Use Flight Alerts & Booking Apps

Set price alerts on Traveloka to monitor fare drops. Better yet, use the Traveloka app which often provides exclusive in-app fares for Malaysia–Jeddah or Malaysia–Madinah routes.

5. Book During Travel Campaigns

Plan your booking around seasonal promotions like the Traveloka Epic Sale, where you can get up to 50% off selected flights. These limited-time campaigns are perfect for securing cheaper tickets while still flying with reputable airlines.

1. Stay Just Outside the Main Haram Zone

While staying right next to Masjid al-Haram or Masjid al-Nabawi is ideal, prices there are naturally higher. A hotel within a 7 to 10-minute walk—or one that offers shuttle services—is a great way to balance cost and convenience. In Makkah, areas like Ajyad or Misfalah offer more affordable options; in Madinah, the southern side of the mosque is often less expensive.

2. Book a Hotel with Shared Rooms for Group Travel

If you're travelling with family or friends, consider booking triple or quadruple rooms. These are much more cost-effective per person, and many 3- and 4-star hotels in Makkah and Madinah cater to group pilgrims. Just make sure to check the room size so everyone is comfortable.

3. Prioritise Hotels with Breakfast or Kitchens

Daily meals can add up, so having breakfast included—or even a small kitchenette for basic cooking—can really stretch your ringgit. It’s common for Umrah-goers to bring instant food or frozen Malaysian meals to reheat, especially when travelling with elderly parents or children.

4. Book Early or During Seasonal Campaign

Popular Umrah hotels like Al Kiswah Towers, Al Safwah Royale Orchid, or Elaf Ajyad offer great early-bird prices. Take advantage of flash hotel sales during Traveloka’s Epic Hour, usually held in the evenings during the Epic Sale campaign, for substantial discounts.

5. Filter Hotels by Free Breakfast & Amenities

To save on food costs, choose hotels that include complimentary breakfast. Use filters in the Traveloka app to identify properties offering free WiFi, family-friendly rooms, or late check-out—small perks that can enhance your stay.

Best Hotels in Makkah

Best Hotels in Madinah

1. Compare DIY vs. Full Umrah Packages

If you're confident, booking flights + hotel + visa separately might save you money. But for first-timers or families, an all-in-one Umrah package could be more convenient and offer better overall value. Check Traveloka for bundle deals that cover everything—from ground transfers to guided ziarah (visits to holy sites).

2. Ask About Visa Processing and Ground Handling

One of the often-overlooked details is who handles your Umrah visa and airport transfers. Always ask your agent about the visa process timeline, and make sure your ground handler in Saudi Arabia is experienced. This matters especially at Jeddah airport, where immigration queues can be long and tiring.

3. Consider Madinah First, Then Makkah

Many seasoned Umrah travellers recommend flying into Madinah and returning from Jeddah. Starting in Madinah gives you a peaceful beginning—less crowded, more relaxed—before moving on to the busier Makkah. The road journey between the two cities is around six hours and is usually done in comfortable coaches arranged by your agent.

You can easily manage your flight tickets, find suitable hotels in Makkah and Madinah, book transport arrangements, or if you need a guide to do the Umrah DIY, all in one place with Traveloka.

Take practical steps towards your Umrah with Traveloka and focus entirely on your spiritual preparation for a rewarding and blessed pilgrimage.