In Reply to: So you treat them like exotic animals posted by sherbert on Monday, 18. June 2012 at 08:29 Bali Time:
Sherbert is right, most hotel staff are actually quite well paid. I don't think most people are aware of how 'union-ised' (if that's a word?) the hotels and other hospitality staff are in Bali. There is very strong union representation in all hotels and other attractions of any appreciable size and they ensure that if the company is doing well, the staff get their cut. They are well known for taking action if they aren't happy, I personally have experience with this.
So, while giving gifts etc is (obviously) up to the individual, do so with the knowledge that the staff aren't likely to be living on the poverty line. In the smaller hotels, etc, especially the illegal ones, this may not be the case.
Cheers, FB