That already-ancient coconut grove in which Poppies was built in 1980 gets more and more ancient. At that time most of what is now Kuta's built up area was covered by similar coconut plantations.

According to an expert we spoke to at that time some of our trees were 75 years old then, meaning some that remain today are well over 100 years old. Every now and again one of the grove's tallest members begins to 'lose its grip', and it's time for some euthanasia.



Pak Budi has been our agile Balinese tree surgeon for many years. He is seen here doing what he does best on an 18 metre specimen.

He works with the simplest of equipment - an axe and some rope - and has refused offers of modern gadgetry, which make him feel unsafe.

Today, January 17, is the day on which Balinese give thanks to Sanghyang Pasupati, the god of steel, for all metal implements from sacred 'keris' daggers to craftsmen's tools of the trade, which protect or make life easier for their owners in their everyday lives. Nowadays motor vehicles clearly fall into that category, and today they venture out festooned with colourful palm leaf offerings tied to their front grills and mirrors, having been blessed with holy water, incense, and offerings of food and flowers in elaborate ceremonies.

Having just taken delivery of two brand new Toyota 'Innova' luxury 7-seater limousines for our guests' comfort while touring Bali or just travelling to and from the airport, today's blessing ceremonies at the Poppies staff-house were particularly important. One van will be based at Poppies, and the other at Villa Melati.

Seen here, as well as vehicles belonging to staff, are two lovingly preserved veterans from the mid 70s - Poppies' original yellow Datsun 'bemo' used to travel 14 kms to Denpasar market and back each day for the restaurant's supplies up until the 90s, while Management's sturdy Landcruiser is still very much in use today.

Another year has glided by at Poppies. No special celebrations this time, other than Birthday Cakes and 'Babi Guling' (roast suckling pig, with Balinese spices) for management and staff.

We would like to thank all our supporters who helped to make 2008 our best year since pre Bali Bomb 2001. We all hope that many of you will still be able to visit Bali during 2009, despite the world's looming economic woes. As during previous downturns, Bali, and specifically Poppies, should prove excellent value for money, especially for short-haul travellers. Our 2009 rates have been held at almost the same level as 2008, and the Bali Great Escape package during low season remains as attractive as ever.

Our new restaurant web page is now up. Not only does it contain many new photos of our always delicious fare but you can now view any part of our dinner menu with just one click, quickly see how to get to Poppies, and best of all, you can easily book a table on-line for up to a week in advance.

One more click takes you to a new selection of photos of our Kopi Pot restaurant.

January 12, 1973 was an auspicious day in Bali - it was the day that Poppies was born. Who would have imagined its staff and management would be celebrating a 35th anniversary some day?

We would like to thank our generations of patrons, who from that day 35 years ago, have found their way to Poppies. We were difficult to find in those early 70s, because we were so far from the centre of Kuta along a nameless dusty lane (just 50 metres actually), and such a long way from the beach along a sandy track through the coconut plantations (just 200 metres). We are difficult to find these days, because we are so centrally located in the heart of the congestion that now envelops Kuta. Yet still you manage to find us! Well, that tells a story, and the story will continue.

Poppies Bali staff now totals over 120. One of these, "Jeffrey", has been working the bar since 1973, and is seen here with the founder, at the staff celebration on Jan 12th. He has a few stories to tell, when you are next in Bali.

The Kopi Pot restaurant now has 33 staff.

Strawberry Hill, in the mountains at Bedugul has 5 - a project is underway there to build comfortable cabins that will complement the restaurant.

Spectacular beachfront Poppies in Koh Samui, Thailand, has a first class team of 92, which makes a visit to the island a top priority.


Your support has provided generations of young Balinese and Thais with jobs, and supported their extended families. We plan to continue travelling along this now world-famous 'Poppies Lane'.


Girls and Boys in party mode