The Philippines offer a rare cornucopia of riches to the holiday maker. There's the chaotic and colorful capital of Manila, delightful islands and beaches, and a scenic hinterland where time seems to have stood still. Here's a look into what makes this country unique - a slice of old Spain in the capital, some wonderful islands, and historic Cebu where the explorer Magellan converted the local ruler.

The Philippines has a long and turbulent history and was a Spanish colony for almost 500 years. This colonial past is hard to find, but in the teeming and dynamic capital of Manila, still has a piece of old Spain.

To explore this slice of history head for Intramuros (Within the Walls), the remnants of a walled city in the very heart of Manila between Rizal Park and the tourist centre of Ermita. Much of Manila's colonial architecture was destroyed by bombing during WWII and the Spanish heritage of Manila is concentrated here.

Intramuros was once a mighty walled city that housed its Spanish rulers. Within its massive eight-foot-thick walls lay a Spanish city complete with stately administration buildings, schools and hospitals, and churches, convents and monasteries.

Fierce fighting during the Second World War wreaked havoc on Manila and today, all that remains of this once mighty structure is a three-mile-long stretch of rampart which you can walk along.

If there's one thing all visitors to the Philippines agree on it's the beauty and abundance of the beaches. And where better to find a great beach than on an island! The Philippines is home to 7107 islands and for a tempting slice of island life, head for the Hundred Islands group a five-hour drive north of Manila.

Here you'll find that the Philippines

will exceed your expectations about what a tropical paradise should be like. It offers endless sands, warm waters and undersea coral gardens make up a swimmer's, fisher's and snorkeler’s paradise or the perfect place for just lazing and getting a tan. Nature lovers will be pleased to know that Hundred Islands is the world's second-largest marine reservation and home to over 2000 species of aquatic life.

Finally to Cebu, which is the site where the Spanish conquistadors first arrived in the Philippines in 1565. Here you’ll find the famous landmark of Magellan’s Cross, a wooden cross planted by Magellan to mark the baptism of the Moslem Rajah Humabon and his wife Juana and 800 followers.

Magellan's Cross is now housed in the centre of a chapel adjacent to the Basilisca Minore del Santo on Magellanes Street. According to a sign outside, the original cross is contained in the item standing in the chapel. This is to protect it from souvenir hunters. Magellan's Cross has potent symbolic value in the Philippines. It's the emblem of Cebu City and considered the symbol of Catholicism in the Philippines.

The Philippines is home to a host of other holiday delights, but these three attractions will introduce you to this charming and beautiful country and whet your appetite for more. When visiting the Philippines, be sure to have a reservation, because hotels in the Philippines could be fully booked in high season. Of course the Internet offers many opportunities to book Philippines hotels in advance.

Richard has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper than Hotels offers cheap hotels in Philippines.