

A YouTuber has explored the Earth’s most impossible to reach place that most people will probably never get to see in the flesh.
Documenting the experience for his audience, the YouTuber who is known online as Tim Kirby’s Travel explored parts of Russia that most people have never ventured to.
Describing the remote islands he uncovered as ‘Russia’s hidden island gems’, Tim explored the region where ‘there are more bears than people’, adding that it’s a ‘decent place considering it’s on the edge of the world’.
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Detailing his journey, Tim explained: “Russia is often thought of as an endless landmass, but did you know there’s a region made up entirely of islands? With two seas and an ocean surrounding it, welcome to the Sakhalin region – a place like no other.
“This region is full of unique wonders: from the nature, to the lifestyle, to the atmosphere – it feels like Russia from a parallel universe. And yes, there are even surfers here!
“First, we’ll explore the massive island of Sakhalin. It’s not just big; it's colossal – its land area is nearly as large as the entire Czech Republic!
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“Then, we’ll head to the jewel of the Kuril Islands – Kunashir, the southernmost island. Formed by volcanoes, Kunashir offers an extraordinary blend of natural phenomena: steaming hot springs, dramatic fumaroles, and lunar-like craters. Believe me, these are landscapes you’ve never seen before!”
Both Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands are considered to be difficult places to journey to due their remote location in the far east of mainland Russia.
Found just north of Japan, venturing there will require complicated travel plans with other factors including weather conditions and permit requirements also causing additional challenges.
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Tim’s video sparked a response in the YouTube comment section, with one user writing: “A beautiful, wild and raw island. I worked there for several years. Not long after the big change. At first many people were suspicious of myself and colleagues but warmed to us after a while. As I did to them. I have some wonderful memories of my time and extremely grateful to the generosity of those I met and worked with.”
Another said: “Wow, it looks to me Russians underestimate Sachalin islands the same way as mainland Australians underestimate Tasmania. In Tasmania you find surfing, bush walking with spectacular views, trout and sea trout fishing, truffle farms just list a few.”
And a third commented: “It's originally part of Japan.”