East Java Tours is a family-owned and operated tour company based in East Java, Indonesia. The company is operated by Brandon Symonds from Australia and his Indonesian wife, Jessica, combining international guest understanding with genuine local knowledge, family hospitality, and deep connection to East Javanese culture.
The idea for East Java Tours grew from Brandon’s own experience of living in East Java, marrying into a local Javanese family, and being welcomed into the surrounding community. Through daily life with Jessica’s family and local neighbours, he experienced a side of East Java that most visitors rarely see: village life, family traditions, local food, community celebrations, traditional music, dance, and the warm hospitality of the people.
East Java is home to a rich mix of cultures, including Javanese, Osing, Madurese, Balinese, and Indo-Chinese communities. Each has its own traditions, language, food, history, and local identity. This cultural diversity, combined with East Java’s volcanoes, waterfalls, jungles, plantations, coastlines, and rural landscapes, inspired the creation of a tour company focused on more than sightseeing.
Today, East Java Tours specializes in private scenic and cultural tours designed around each guest’s interests, travel dates, fitness level, pickup location, drop-off location, and available time. Our goal is to help guests experience East Java through its landscapes, people, traditions, food, villages, and authentic local hospitality.
