Moneron Island

^{Photo Credit: Air Pano}

Moneron Island—ever heard of it?

It’s this little Russian island off the coast of Sakhalin in the Sea of Japan, and it feels like you’ve stumbled into another world. No roads, no towns, just wild cliffs, crashing waves, and the kind of untouched nature that makes you forget your phone exists.

Getting there is a bit of an adventure in itself—you need a special permit because it’s part of a protected national park, and there’s usually just one boat that goes out from Nevelsk when the weather’s right.

But once you land, it’s like stepping into a postcard. We're talking dramatic coastlines, fields of flowers, pine trees twisted by the wind, and some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen.

People mostly go for the diving. The water’s cold, but it's insanely clear, and the marine life is next level—sea urchins, anemones, seals, even sea lions sometimes. It’s the only place in Russia where you can see coral reefs.

On land, birds are everywhere, and if you're lucky, you might spot foxes or deer wandering around.

It’s not exactly luxury travel—think camping or rustic cabins, and you’re pretty much off the grid—but that’s part of the magic. You wake up to the sound of waves and seabirds, spend your days hiking or exploring tide pools, and your nights staring at a sky full of stars.

If you’re into nature and don’t mind going a bit off the beaten path, Moneron’s a wild, beautiful, totally underrated gem.

Explore more:

• Moneron Island - Secret Gem of the Far East (article)

• Moneron Island National Park (video)