If you want a holiday you will remember forever then the Philippines should be your top tourist destination. With 7,107 islands inhabited by some of the most friendly and hospitable people in the world, the Philippines teems with tourist destinations. Here you have it all from uninhabited tropical islands, pristine white beaches, scenic sunsets, challenging surf sites, clear dive sites, beautiful mountains, and unique wildlife - natural jewels in a tropical setting.

The Philippines is one of the few English speaking countries in Asia and yet it has an incredible, diverse culture and history that is waiting for you around every corner. Just come and discover it yourself. But be warned - you could spend a lifetime here and never begin to see it all!

4 Top Reasons to visit the Philippines:

1. Meet Filipinos who are among the most genuinely hospitable and friendly people on earth.

Most first time visitors to the Philippines are amazed at the genuine hospitality shown to them by Filipinos. Whether rich or poor, Filipinos will make you welcome.

As one expat said recently after living in the Philippines for 10 years, "Filipinos who made us so welcome from day one and have enriched our lives ever since ... so many other people welcomed us as friends. They took the trouble to take us to meet their friends. So within months we were busy almost every evening ... Filipinos will take you to their hearts and make your life a joy."

2. Save on vacation costs - the Philippines is one of the most inexpensive countries in Asia.

Whether it is food, clothing, entertainment, or accommodation you will find prices in the Philippines far cheaper than in Western countries. For example, a man's haircut (including tip) in the Philippines costs less than a tenth of what it costs in Australia.

Similar price differences apply to almost all tourist associated activities, even quality accommodation. And if you come here to live it's even cheaper. You can afford to live like a king in the Philippines!

3. Save on medical costs and enjoy a "medical holiday."

Yes, the Philippines is now attracting people who not only visit as tourists, but who also seek medical treatment while they are here. Until recently Thailand was the top spot in Asia for medical tourism but now the Philippines is catching up.

This is especially true of dental treatment, whether it be a dental implant, cosmetic dentistry, cleaning, or just a simple filling. And it is far cheaper than in other Western countries. In fact some medical tourists claim that their savings on dental treatment paid for the entire cost of their holiday.

4. Travel easily in a country where English is widely spoken and understood.

The two primary languages spoken in the Philippines are English and Filipino (formerly Pilipino) based on Tagalog. Filipino is the national language but English is generally used in education, government, and commerce.

This widespread use of English makes it much easier for you as a tourist to get around, which in turn makes for a much more enjoyable vacation. However, even though you do not need to master Filipino, there is nothing to stop you learning a few Filipino phrases. Even a smattering of the local language, with wrong pronunciation and all, will endear you to the hearts of Filipinos.

But of course there are more reasons than can be listed here. For example, Philippine festivals that bring out the culture of the people, historic churches that date back to the Spanish era, the exciting night life of Manila, Angeles City, and Cebu, play golf on courses designed by some of the best golf celebrities in the world, and more ...

And a final reminder - don't forget to take your camera!

Allan E Miller is a retired Airline Pilot who has lived in Asia for over 44 years and has traveled extensively all over the world. He has been a freelance travel writer for 19 years and specializes in articles about the Philippines and other Asian countries. He also maintains the web site for the Bali Hai Beach Resort http://balihai.com.ph/ in La Union, Philippines.