In Reply to: What drivers do while you eat posted by Micronesian Steve on Sunday, 13. March 2005 at 19:23 Bali Time:
Our driver last year would not join us for a meal on several occasions when we invited him, he always said he wasn't hungry tho I never saw him eat anything other than fruit that he brought with him. Whenever we went outside after the meal though he was out the front ready to go so obviously the restaurant staff had told him when we payed the bill, maybe when they gave him his commission. If so good luck to him!
On shopping trips I made a habit of returning to the car with a cold bottle of fanta (his fave) for him which he seemed to really appreciate.
From what I understand sit down formal meals are not really the norm for Balinese so maybe they don't feel all that comfortable with joining tourists for lunch especially in what they would regard a high price restaurant.
It may also be frowned upon by restaurant staff.
But don't worry your driver is used to spending time relaxing reading or chatting to other drivers it's how they spend 80-90% of their working day.