1

For a long-term commitment, the East Timor position might be better.

Sumba is a very remote corner of Indonesia, fascinating to visit for its traditional culture, but might be a bit too lonely eventually, and short on facilities. It is quite far from any more developed/modern part of the country, should you feel the need "to get out". OTOH, living costs would be much lower than in East Timor.

East Timor has a much larger expat population and more facilities for them, and is still very exotic/interesting culturally. Even if you got posted in a remote corner of it, the capital would still be within fairly easy reach from anywhere in the country.

2

I would echo what Laszlo says above entirely.

While Sumba is one of the most fascinating islands in that part of the country, Waingapu is very much a one-horse town, and connections to the rest of the country, though much better than they once were, are not fantastic.

If the Timor job is based in the capital, Kupang, you would find rather more creature comforts, a small expat population, and the best transport links in Nusa Tenggara. Kupang is also a pleasant town, with a nice atmosphere. Make no mistake, as expat postings go it would still rank as the ends of the earth, but compared to Waingapu its a veritable megalopolis - though one with a nice setting.

It's also a brilliant spot from which to explore the region, as it's the hub of sea and air transport to neighbouring islands. You'll be easily able to explore the surrounding archipelago from there. If you were based in Waingapu you'd usually end up having to go via Kupang to get to other places...

3

Tim, OP says the Timor job is in EAST Timor, so certainly not Kupang - more likely Dili! ;-)
I agree that Kupang would also be better than Sumba, but from an expat point of view, Dili is probably better still (prices apart).

4

Oh for crying out loud - that's what happens when you post the morning after 24 hours of travel from Southeast Asia to Cornwall! Doh! ;-)

Sorry! But, yes, obviously, your comment still stands!
Jetlag is fading now...

5

The considerably more "fresh" winter weather in the UK must no doubt help. ;-)

6

It certainly is fresh - and wet too, positively monsoonal!

7

Hi Kelal.
if you don't mind me asking, what is the job? i am interested in working in indonesia in the future., especially in the social development/education/environment sort of area.
i will be in Waingapu in the beginning of Feb!
haydn

8

Hi Kelal.
if you don't mind me asking, what is the job opportunity? i am interested in working in Indonesis in the future, especially in the social development/education/environmental protection areas.
i will be in Waingapu in the beginning of Feb.
good luck, haydn