Planning a DIY Umrah (Do-It-Yourself) journey to Saudi Arabia is now easier than ever for Malaysians. Without relying entirely on agencies, more and more pilgrims are opting to plan their own Umrah experience — offering budget flexibility, a personalized itinerary, and a deeper connection to the spiritual journey.

If you're looking for guidance on how to start your DIY Umrah, this article will walk you through everything you need: from how to plan your trip, visa requirements, creating a DIY Umrah itinerary, budgeting tips, to safety and etiquette guidelines. Best of all, you can enjoy exclusive discounts of up to RM300 OFF on flights, hotels, and attractions in Saudi Arabia when you book through Traveloka.

DIY Umrah means planning and organizing every aspect of your pilgrimage independently, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and visa application. Many pilgrims prefer this route as it allows more freedom, cost savings, and the ability to customize their journey.

That said, there has been some debate on whether DIY Umrah is prohibited. While there’s no official ban, it's important to consult religious authorities or trusted sources to ensure your plans are aligned with proper guidance and intention.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for Malaysians planning a DIY Umrah:

1. Apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa
Apply online via the official Saudi eVisa portal. Requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, return flight tickets, and hotel booking confirmation.

2. Book Flights & Hotels on Traveloka
Search for the best deals from Kuala Lumpur to Saudi Arabia using the Traveloka app or website. Enjoy up to RM300 OFF on selected flights and accommodations in Makkah, Madinah, and other Saudi cities.

3. Prepare Your Itinerary & Documents
Plan a complete DIY Umrah itinerary, including visits to the Holy Mosques, ziarah locations, and rest days. You can also find downloadable DIY Umrah PDFs or create your own based on trusted blog references.

• DIY Umrah can be more affordable than full-service packages. Average total costs range from RM5,000 to RM7,000, depending on travel dates and lodging preferences.

• Use a DIY Umrah checklist to ensure all essentials are packed: passport, visa, ihram, personal medication, prayer mat, travel apps, and more.

• Check the Saudi Arabia weather before your trip. The cooler months from November to February are most comfortable for pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia is safe for pilgrims, but caution and etiquette are essential for a peaceful journey:

• Always remain patient, especially during Tawaf and Sa'i when crowds are dense.

• Follow queue systems and avoid pushing others.

•Respect local laws, customs, and dress modestly.

• Be mindful of prayer times when planning trips to shops or restaurants.

• Don't leave shoes outside randomly; use provided racks or bag them.

• Avoid taking photos in sacred areas; it's discouraged and sometimes prohibited.

• For women: carry a prayer garment (telekung) and lightweight abaya.
•For men: avoid shorts or tight-fitting tops when outside of Ihram.

In an emergency, approach mosque security or the Malaysian Hajj mission (TH).

Real-life experiences are often the best teachers. You can find valuable insights from:

• DIY Umrah blogs written by fellow Malaysians
• Threads in Umrah DIY forums discussing updated visa tips, routes, and costs
• YouTube vlogs detailing their personal Umrah DIY experiences
• Printable DIY Umrah guides and PDFs to support your planning process

These resources can help you compare options, learn common pitfalls, and discover time-saving hacks.

You can now customize your entire Umrah journey through Traveloka with just a few taps:

✅ Choose your preferred flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah or Madinah
✅ Find hotels near Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi
✅ Add on religious tours and local attractions in Makkah and Madinah

Everything is bookable in one seamless platform — and with exclusive discounts up to RM300 OFF, you get premium comfort without stretching your budget.

📅 Start Planning Early
Planning a DIY Umrah takes time and attention to detail. Avoid last-minute stress by starting early, especially during peak seasons like Ramadan, school holidays, or public holidays in Malaysia. Booking in advance gives you more hotel and flight options and better prices.