Sakhalin Region (including Sakhalin island, the Kuril Islands, and about 56 nearby islands) is situated along the eastern coastline of Russia, to the north of the Japanese island Hokkaido. This unique part of Russia is the only Russian region located on islands. It is famous for its fauna and flora, mineral sources and healing muds, volcanoes and waterfalls, archaeological monuments and nature reserves. 43% of all bird species, 17% of all mammal species and 94% of all whale species in the former Soviet Union originate in the region. Currently, of course, it is known for its oil exploration, as most foreign oil companies are present on the island.

General Information

Total Area: over 87,000 sq.km

Population: 648,000

Main city: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Attractions: Tyuleny (Seals’) Island, the Mud Volcano, hot and mineral springs, MoneronIsland (a marine National Park), mountains and lakes, Nature Reserves

Activities: alpine flower watching, seals and sea birds watching, fishing (salmon, char, crab), ethnographic and nature studies, downhill and cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking and trekking, etc.

Please click on our Vladivostok-Sakhalin tour to visit this remote part of Russia.