There is a unique place in the eastern part of the Tonino-Anivsky Peninsula.

Rocky buttes, arches, pillars and grottoes are scattered along the entire coast from Cape Ptichiy to Cape Giant. Under the influence of sea waves and wind, they took the most incredible forms. Many sea birds have made this place their home.

In 1990, in order to protect the coastal ecosystem represented by sea stacks, rocks, cliffs and terraces, Cape Giant was given the natural monument status. In addition, bird nesting sites, seal rookeries, and flora are now also under protection. In fact, some of the local plants are listed in the Red Book (e.g. rare species of juniper and aralia).

Hunting, fishing, visiting bird colonies from 1 May to 1 August, starting fires, cutting trees and collecting rare plants is strictly prohibited here. You can, however, pick mushrooms and berries.

The road to this unusual place is not the easiest one, but still, it should not be particularly difficult for an experienced traveler.

The stone monuments found in small bays along the coast are of primary interest. Here, the sandy coastline borders rocky cliffs, overgrown with a endless impassable taiga.

You can reach this part of the coastline from two directions: through Okhotskoye and Svobodnaya from the north, or through Korsakov and Ozersk from the south. The northern route is more convenient.

It is also recommended to take a cross-country vehicle. Part of the path lies along a dirt forest road with steep climbs and descents that pose a risk of damaging your vehicle's suspension even in dry weather.

Passing Okhotskoe, you will need to drive along the coast to the former outpost "Svobodnaya" for about 22 km, then turn into the forest, and continue south. Try to stick to the more well-worn road, and it will lead you to the seashore after about 16 km.

You'll have to leave the car here and continue on foot. Along the shore, you will soon notice cliffs of unusual shapes, arches and tunnels. The first one you'll find along the way is Cape Ptichiy. Going further along the sea, you will eventually reach Cape Giant.

If you happen to come here in July or August, you will be able to observe one of the most interesting natural phenomena – the Pacific salmon run.

Cape Giant is a popular vacation spot for the residents of Sakhalin, especially on summer weekends.

Local travel agencies organize one-day trips to this place from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. A one way trip from the city to the coast takes about 3 hours. Tourists have about 4 hours for their walk along the coast.

Some people also spend this time tanning or watching seagulls flying by and seals swimming in the sea. The water here is azure-blue and clear: you can easily spot clams, crayfish, seaweed and fish. You might even decide to take a swim in the cold waters, but be cautious: sea urchins are quite common here, and low tides bring them ashore.

You should take a raincoat or a jacket with you in case of bad weather.

Food is also worth taking care of in advance: you'd need to take a packed lunch with you or ask your tourist agency if lunch is included in the trip.