The Philippines has a blend of old and new, with plenty of natural and cultural attractions for visitors to explore.
Travel insurance policyholders keen to sample a variety of what is on offer in the Philippines could consider starting their trip in Manila.
Chit Afuang, officer-in-charge at the Department of Tourism at the Embassy of the Philippines, says: "[It] is the gateway to the rest of the destinations in the Philippines that offer a variety of attractions to travellers."
There is also plenty to find in the capital city itself, with a blend of old and new elements to offer tourists.
The walled city - known as Intramuros - can be found on the southern bank of the Pasig River and Ms Afuang explains it is the city's oldest district.
One of the world's best persevered medieval towns - Fort Santiago - is inside the walls, along with a variety of old colonial buildings such as the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church.
Fort Santiago contains a whole host of attractions for culture vultures and history lovers, such as dungeons, art galleries, theatres, churches and a nature park, Ms Afuang notes.
Speaking about the country itself, the representative says some 7,107 islands make up the Philippines, meaning it is the second largest archipelago in the world.
"What sets it apart from other destinations is its diversity. Each island has its own distinct set of attractions, sights, cuisine, culture, festivals and even dialect," she remarks.
There are more than 500 species of corals, 200 types of endemic birds and plenty of other natural attractions, Ms Afuang adds.
International arrivals to Asia and the Pacific in the first quarter of 2011, published by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, showed a year-on-year rise of five per cent.
By Anne Jones
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