Melo Villareal
To be honest, spelunking has never truly piqued my interest. Much like hiking, I usually don’t enjoy trekking for more than an hour—unless I’m surrounded by lively, entertaining companions. However, during our visit to Camalig, Albay, as part of the Bicol Fam Tour with PHILTOA and other members of the media, I found myself swept up in the excitement. I ultimately decided to join the group in exploring Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, one of the most accessible and fascinating caves in the region. Surrounded by the vibrant chatter of friends and the thrill of discovery, I eagerly followed as we ventured into the dimly lit, mysterious caverns, eager to see what wonders lay in wait beneath the earth.
Hoyop-hoyopan Cave Entrance
Located in the town of Camalig about 30 minutes drive away from the city of Legazpi, Hoyop-hoyopan Cave is a famous tourist destination for locals as well as tourists. The caves are mostly made up of natural limestone and because of its natural ventilation, the Hoyop-hoyopan Cave is an ideal summer spot for adventure lovers and tourists coming to this part of Bicolandia.
This is my second visit to this enchanting cave, and what I love most is the refreshingly cool air that fills the interior. The caves are aptly named, as gentle breezes sweep through numerous natural openings along the labyrinthine cave system, creating a calming atmosphere. In the local Bicol language, “Hoyop” translates to “blowing of the wind,” a fitting tribute to the natural ventilation that characterizes these caves. Among the many entrances and exits, one particularly striking opening—known as the grand window—frames a breathtaking view of the majestic Mayon Volcano, allowing visitors to marvel at the landscape beyond while basking in the cave’s unique ambiance.
Fun activities
The numerous entry and exit points of the cave vary between 2 meter and 10 meter in diameter which makes this an ideal destination for those people who loves exploring caves. Visitors might also need to crawl, squeeze or kneel in order to pass through them in order to reach some challenging chambers located in the cave. The cave also boasts of a mini pond and a concrete dance floor when the cave was transformed into an underground party place during the Martial Law period.
This place also interests historians due to the fact that there are innumerable formations that say a lot about people who stayed in that place hundreds or thousands of years ago as well as about their culture and traditions. The cave also housed several artifacts that are today showcased either at the National Museum of Manila or the Camalig Church.
Magnificent Interiors
Today, the Hoyop-hoyopan Cave that is stretched across a generous area of 31.4 square meters is maintained by the families of the Soriano, Nieva and Nuilan. Some structures inside the cave were specially built for the safety of those who visit the caves.
A concrete staircase has been made which makes it convenient for visitors to access the other level of the cave. The cave has several shallow pools, chambers, stalagmites and mineral deposits. In order to allow the visitors to appreciate the beautiful rock formations of the cave, sufficient illumination is also provided. Nonetheless, carrying a portable light bulb or a torch light will definitely be handy.
Tourists and those who are interested to know more about the place are required to hire a tour guide at a nominal amount. Tourist guides are well-versed with the historical details of the cave. Visitors can complete the short tour in less than an hour. However, a full detailed tour of the place might take up to couple of hours.
There are couple of souvenir shops that sells locally handcrafted accessories made from minerals found in the cave. The entrance fee is 200 pesos for two to three persons, while the parking fee is P25. If you are in a group of more than 3 persons, entrance fee to the cave costs P50 per person and that already includes the tour guide fee.
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