An exclusive pictorial account of a great voyage through spectacular Indonesian waters aboard a custom built jukung outrigger canoe , named Venus , above, by adventurous Australians , all with Northern Territory connections. Many friendly villages and markets with tasty tucker were encountered along the way .
The jukung was built in Java and moved to Bali where it was fitted out with floorboards, a stainless steel roof , paddle boards taken on for landing at various places along the way to the Komodo Dragon islands in the Lesser Sunda archipelago .
Early in the voyage there was an exciting moment when Venus entered the open sea and was swept ahead like a surf boat.
Fishing villages were encountered along the way and the friendly locals gathered around at night to talk ; they supplied a wealth of information about reefs and marine life.
A variety of tasty local food was consumed , a fried fish market at Ikan Bakar shown below, followed by more fish on offer at Labuan Bajo .
There were spectacular panoramic views of sea , sky and islands along the way .
One stopover where they were well received was a resort, with a pearling connection, "like Paspaley", where for $100 they were fed lobster and Australian wines.
 |
| A colourful vegetable market attracted attention. |
 |
| Venus cook up . |
The Komodo Dragons were stunning , the subject of many photographs .
