From Indonesia to Saudi Arabia: A Guide for Your Hajj and Umrah in Makkah & Madinah

For Muslims across Indonesia, going from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah or Hajj is more than a religious duty—it’s a life milestone wrapped in deep emotion and spiritual ambition.

Whether you’re traveling from Surabaya, Jakarta, or Makassar, the journey to the Haramain—Makkah and Madinah—requires thoughtful planning.

This guide walks you through everything: visas, flights, day-to-day advice, and where to stay comfortably near the holy mosques.

Before Going to Saudi Arabia, What You Need to Prepare?

1. Documents and Visa Process

For Umrah, Indonesian pilgrims can now apply for an eVisa via the Nusuk App or through approved travel agents. Hajj pilgrims must register through Kemenag (Ministry of Religious Affairs), which coordinates quotas and official group travel.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Mandatory vaccines include meningitis ACWY and often a COVID-19 booster. Keep multiple copies of your vaccination card and eVisa printout.

2. Packing List Tailored for the Climate and Rituals

• Ihram (for men), abayas (for women), light and breathable clothing
• Sandals/slippers easy to remove at mosques
• Travel-size prayer mat, small Quran, tasbih
• Phone charger with Saudi plug adapter
• Rehydration salts, sunscreen, prescription meds

3. Financial Planning & Currency Tips

Currency: 1 SAR ≈ Rp. 4,000 (approx.)

Most major hotels, shops, and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for taxis or street vendors. Money changers are widely available in both cities, but exchange your currency before reaching your hotel to avoid inflated rates.

Flying from Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, What Are the Options?

1. Best Airlines and Routes

Popular carriers include Garuda Indonesia, Saudia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Direct flights to Jeddah or Madinah are available, though most Umrah groups fly first into Madinah for spiritual ease.

2. Choosing Entry Airport: Jeddah or Madinah?

• Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport – JED) is 1.5 hours from Makkah by road. If your Umrah starts with Makkah, this is ideal.
• Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport – MED) is closer to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Many prefer to begin their journey here, as the Prophet ﷺ encouraged visiting his mosque before or after Makkah.

Arriving in The City of the Prophet (ﷺ), What to Anticipate in Madinah?

1. Spiritual Etiquette and What to Expect

Madinah feels calm and reverent. At Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, lower your voice, avoid loud phone use, and focus on dua and salawat. Visiting the Prophet’s tomb (Rawdah) requires booking via the Nusuk App and is gender-segregated by time slots.

2. Must-Visit Sites in Madinah

• Quba Mosque – the first mosque in Islam. It’s sunnah to pray 2 raka’ah here.
• Masjid Qiblatain – where the Qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.
• Uhud Mountain – site of the famous battle. Many visit the graves of the martyrs, including Hamza (RA).

Where to Stay in Madinah? Here’s to Make It Spiritually Enriching

1. Top Luxury Hotels in Madinah

• The Oberoi Madina – 5-star excellence right next to the women’s entrance. It’s quiet, regal, and offers personal butler service.
• Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick – connected to a mall, very popular with Indonesian tour groups. Family suites available.
• Madinah Hilton – stone’s throw from Gate 25, with multiple elevator access for older guests.
• Pullman Zamzam Madina – has an Indonesian buffet corner and multilingual staff.

2. Mid-Range & Budget Options

Many hotels on Omar bin Al-Khattab Road and behind the women’s gate offer great pricing without sacrificing comfort. Look for rooms 300–500 meters away to save costs while staying walkable.

How to Navigate Your Madinah to Makkah Journey?

1. Options for Travel

The Haramain High-Speed Railway is the fastest and most comfortable way—2.5 hours, air-conditioned, reclining seats. Book online ahead of time.

VIP buses offer smooth rides with rest stops at meeqat stations.

2. Meeqat – Donning the Ihram

If traveling from Madinah, stop at Dhul Hulayfah (Bir Ali). Wear your Ihram, pray 2 raka’ah, and recite your niyyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah.” After that, Talbiyah begins: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…”

What to Do in Makkah?

1. Entering the Holy City

As your vehicle approaches the outskirts, prepare your heart. The first sight of the Kaaba is deeply emotional. Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, perform Tawaf (7 rounds), pray behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drink Zamzam.

Then perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. Conclude with hair trimming or shaving (for men).

2. Important Ziyarah in Makkah

• Jabal al-Noor – where the Quran was first revealed.
• Jabal al-Thawr – cave of refuge during the Prophet’s Hijrah.
• Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah – particularly during Hajj season.

How to Stay Near the Kaaba? Here Are Hotels in Makkah

1. 5-Star Hotels Overlooking the Haram

• Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower – Iconic, luxurious, and closest to King Fahad Gate. Choose a Kaaba-facing suite for unforgettable prayer views.
• Raffles Makkah Palace – Elegant and serene, with high privacy and Arabic-style suites.
• Swissôtel Makkah – Directly connected to Abraj Al Bait Mall. Their breakfast includes Indonesian options.
• Hilton Suites Makkah – Great for families and groups; offers excellent prayer area views via large windows.

2. Tips for Booking the Right Hotel

If you’re traveling with elders or children, prioritize walking distance and elevator access. Some pilgrims book outer hotels for affordability and use shuttle buses, but this is only feasible outside peak Hajj/Umrah months.

Food and Dining for Indonesian Pilgrims

1. Indonesian Cuisine in the Haramain

Look for Restoran Wong Solo or Ayam Penyet Ria in both cities. You’ll also find many minimarkets selling Indomie, Sambal ABC, and Milo.

Luxury hotels offer Asian buffet corners—some even have tempeh, telur balado, and Soto Ayam!

2. Dining in Hotels vs. Local Cafes

Hotel breakfasts are hygienic and prayer-schedule friendly. Local spots near the Haram serve shawarma, mutabbaq, and fresh juices. Try Mandi rice and Arabic bread with hummus at least once.

Tips for a Smooth and Meaningful Pilgrimage

1. Health and Safety

Temperatures can reach 44°C. Drink Zamzam, use umbrellas, and walk slowly. Hospitals like King Faisal Specialist in Makkah and Saudi German Hospital in Madinah are reliable.

2. Language and Cultural Etiquette

• Common phrases: “Shukran” (Thank you), “Kam?” (How much?)
• Dress modestly—even in hotel lobbies
• Avoid recording others or pushing in crowded spaces

3. Staying Connected

Buy SIM cards at the airport: STC and Zain offer pilgrim bundles with internet and international calls. Use apps like Muslim Pro, Qibla Finder, and Tawakkalna.

When Returning Home, What to Brings Other Than Memories?

1. What to Bring Back

Each pilgrim is allowed 5 liters of Zamzam, typically given at the airport. Popular souvenirs: dates (Ajwa, Safawi), perfume, prayer garments, and black seed oil.

2. Staying Spiritually Uplifted After Return

Continue your Tahajjud, join a local halaqah, and share your experience. Many masjids have Umrah alumni groups that support ongoing spiritual development.

Conclusion

From the call to prayer echoing through Madinah’s minarets to the first moment your eyes fall on the Kaaba, your journey from Indonesia to the Haramain will transform you in ways you didn’t expect.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a recalibration of the soul. May your path be accepted, your prayers answered, and your memories everlasting.