TESTIMONIALS
Since 2018 we have worked with Alex and the Timor Unearthed team to facilitate 11 university study tour programs to Timor-Leste. These programs have involved coordinating safe and reliable transport options and suitable accommodation for students and lecturers across the country. Alex and Anas are great to work with and always ensure our groups are well looked after while in Timor. We look forward to working with Timor Unearthed again in the future!
Bianca Giles
Manager
Reho Study Tours
2018-2023 Programs
Our school Yr 9 immersion to Timor Leste, thoughtfully orchestrated by Timor Unearthed, was a truly extraordinary experience. With a group of 12 students and 2 teachers, the trip was an impeccable balance of adventure and education. Timor Unearthed's unwavering commitment to safety provided both students and teachers with peace of mind, allowing us to embrace the journey wholeheartedly. All the accommodation was comfortable and the local staff's warm hospitality enhanced our stay. We had the opportunity to try a wide range of local dishes, which allowed the students and staff to truly immerse themselves in Timorese culture. What truly set this immersion apart was the exceptional staff from Timor Unearthed. Their deep knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication and jovial personalities added great value to our cultural experiences. We engaged with the local community, witnessed traditional ceremonies, and gained a profound understanding of Timor Leste's heritage. With just a brief stay, our students and teachers formed lasting connections with the people of Timor Leste. This trip was an amazing educational opportunity, and the memories created will be treasured for a lifetime. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Timor Unearthed for this transformative experience.
Terry Thompson
Dean of Identity
St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace
2023 Program
Timor Unearthed is an excellent company. Their focus on sustainability is an important aspect of the experience of traveling with them. The staff are knowledgable and always willing to share their experience of their culture with our group. Tours are well organized and provide a range of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Timorese life. Highly recommended.
Maria Woodhouse
Teacher
St. Joseph's College East Gosford
2019 Program
The Timor Unearthed experience is simply outstanding. The whole team show a level of care and support that is second to none. Thanks so much for showing us this amazing country and its people in a way that we could only ever dream of. Our school is certainly richer for having the Timor Unearthed team work with us.
Ben Princehorn
Coordinator of Community and Service
Sunshine Coast Grammar
2023 Program
Alex and the Timor Unearthed team were amazing from start to finish. They planned a trip of a lifetime for our students, and delivered something that we could not have completed without them. The ongoing support from start to finish was exceptional and nothing was ever too much of an ask. Anas was the most amazing Tour Guide. He has a terrific personality, is fun and knowledgeable whilst also ensuring the trip run smoothly and safely. We managed to have a great mix of educational and recreational activities and will be making it an annual trip. Could not recommend highly enough.
Sam Dyke
Assistant Principal
SEDA College NT
2023 Program
I am delighted to share our incredible experience with Timor Unearthed during our students' immersion trip to Timor-Leste. The team, led by Alex and Anas, went above and beyond to provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of Timorese culture. Their dedication, care, and expertise truly made our trip extraordinary.
From the moment we arrived, it was evident that the Timor Unearthed team was passionate about fostering cultural exchange. Our students had the opportunity to interact with local youth in schools and home stays which allowed them to develop meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of Timorese life. The cultural experiences curated by the team were truly immersive, providing our students with a rich and authentic taste of the country.
What impressed us the most was the level of care and attention provided by the entire team. Manuella, Romeo, and Danya were not only knowledgeable about the country and its traditions but also genuinely friendly and approachable. They were always ready to answer questions, share their insights, and accommodate our needs. It was clear that nothing was too much trouble for them.
Thanks to the meticulous organization of Timor Unearthed, our boys had an amazing and unforgettable experience in Timor-Leste. The seamless coordination of logistics, combined with the team's extensive local knowledge, ensured that every aspect of our immersion trip was executed flawlessly. We felt safe, supported, and fully immersed in the beauty and warmth of Timorese culture.
I cannot recommend Timor Unearthed enough for anyone looking to embark on an educational and culturally immersive journey to Timor-Leste. Their passion, professionalism, and commitment to creating transformative experiences for students are truly commendable. Our trip would not have been the same without the incredible team at Timor Unearthed. Thank you for providing our students with an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impact on their lives."
Cathy O'Sullivan
Head of House
Waverley College
2018 & 2023 Programs
The entire Timor Unearthed team were exceptional - all capable, friendly professionals who enhanced our Timor experience with their warmth, good-humoured communication skills and insider Knowledge. It was clear that they all cared deeply about Timor and giving us the best experience possible. I loved the fact that they supported social enterprises and took us to the all the best places to dine and purchase lovely handicrafts and art. Highly recommend Timor Unearthed!
Tania Guteridge
Head of Business & Economics
Sunshine Coast Grammar
2023 Program
I am happy to recommend Alex Johnson and his team to anyone wishing to experience the best of Timor- Leste in a way that is educational, sustainable and that ethically supports the local people. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a school group immersion to Timor Leste in July of 2019. Even though it was actually my fourth time to Timor Leste, I came away from the immersion with new understandings of the current political, environmental and social climate of Timor Leste, all created by the vast range of activities and experiences provided to us by Alex and his team.
The itinerary selected for our school group was very reflective of the goals we had set for the immersion as Alex was very flexible and happy to accommodate any changes that we wanted to make. I was also very happy with the ethical and sustainable choices made throughout the immersion in regards to simple things like where we ate. I felt like all the local businesses we supported throughout had positive messages and goals which were excellent for our students to see and experience. We especially enjoyed supporting local businesses and initiatives like the Agora Food Studio, STVJ Training Centre and the 3R’s.
The professionalism and knowledge demonstrated by Alex and his team of guides were second to none. Through the guides, we gained an incredible amount of knowledge of the history, culture and current situation of the Timorese people. This was developed in the formal parts of the tour but also in the everyday chats the students got to have with them. All of our boys left very inspired by the passion our guides have for their country.
I was also very impressed by the level of attention given to the health and safety of our students. All of our guides, drivers and homestay families had all been trained in a range of health and safety procedures including safe driving, safe food handling and child protection. This left us very confident that we were in the safest of hands.
I would highly recommend Alex and his team to anyone considering taking a school group to Timor Leste. I believe that it is his passion and dedication to helping the Timorese people that has inspired my students to want to come back again and to continue to support the local community in the future.
Kaitlyn Downey
Head of House
Waverley College
2019 Program
The team at Timor Unearthed are wonderful! Everything was very well organised for our trip and there was great flexibility to adapt the program as we went. The guides were amazing with great personalities and very good English. Would definitely recommend Timor Unearthed to family and friends.
Chelsea
University Student
Engineers Without Borders
2018 Program
This tour was the most eye-opening experience of my life. The country is absolutely beautiful and rich in culture, history, and community. I formed the most wonderful relationship with the guides throughout the tour. My group and I had the most life-changing time and will remember the trip for the rest of our lives.
Eiza
Student
St Joseph's College East Gosford
2019 Program
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Since the first day we as a group arrived we were greeted with large smiles, laughs, and excitement. 13 days have passed and these smiles have done nothing but grow. Timor Unearthed has provided us with a sense of family away from home. They have made us feel more than comfortable, safe and at home. The team at Timor Unearthed have cared, comforted and treated us as though we were the most important. Not at any point did we feel as though we were in any danger. They would constantly ask how we felt out of 10 and would make our numbers increase to 10 if not!
Chelsea
Student
St Joseph's College East Gosford
2019 Program
Timor Unearthed has not only opened Timor-Leste to the world, but to my heart. The Timor Unearthed team made the adventure fun, educational, memorable and life-changing. The organisation was impeccable, as was the knowledge of the entirety of the nation. Thanks to Timor Unearthed, my group saw the country from many different perspectives, from village life to the big beautiful cities and formed unbelievable bonds with amazing Timorese people. Under the guidance of Timor Unearthed, we discovered not only a lot about Timor-Leste, but a lot about ourselves.
Max
Student
Waverley College
2018 Program
I have just returned from traveling throughout Timor-Leste with Timor Unearthed. It was an eyeopening experience showing me how lucky we are here at home. The TU team’s contacts and connections throughout Timor gave an extremely authentic experience, especially in the home stay environments. Timor is a beautiful country with the most welcoming people and whilst travel can be challenging as living conditions are so different to home, my trip was so much fun and so inspiring. I have learnt why it is important to travel with a company like TU that is employing Timorese people, contributing to village economies and supporting training centres.
Angus
Student
Waverley College
2018 Program
My experience with Timor Unearthed was honestly life changing. We had such an amazing time immersed in culture and surrounded by amazing people who really cared about us.
Grace
Student
St Joseph's College East Gosford
2019 Program