Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave - Albay

Located at Barangay Cotmon in Camalig, Albay, Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is probably one of the most popular caves in the province. 

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave Details

The name Hoyop-Hoyopan came from the Bicolano word hoyop which means "to blow". This is due to the whistling sound made by the wind that passes through the opening points of the cave.

Turning right!

A few more meters

Aside from the occasional sound of blowing wind particularly during windy days, the cave is surprisingly quiet maybe because the bats that live here are not only blind but mute as well. However, you won't be surprised to hear people shouting inside to check if there would be echoes.

Welcome to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Here's our guide naming the stalactite formations near the entrance

More unique looking stalactites this way

Getting deeper in the cave

There's a river inside the cave

Inside Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

What I like about Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is that it is well ventilated and its stalagmites and stalactites seem to have been preserved and protected. If you have an active imagination, you'd notice that many of these resemble objects and sometimes personalities. For those who can't see these, the more likely you'll discover them once your guide will point them out to you. 

Going out one of the cave entrances

Following the pathway going to another cave entrance

Just a little more...

A family picture before going in the cave again

Another picture...

As an outdoorsman, I also enjoyed squeezing through the labyrinth-like passageways, some measuring 2-10 diameters wide, to reach the different chambers of the cave. However, what concerns me are the man-made installations built inside the cave-like cemented pathways, the dance floor in one of its chambers, and the lighting system along its passageways because it "removes" the authenticity of one's spelunking experience and probably harm the natural ecosystem inside the cave. Regardless, it can't be denied that these installations help improve the cave experience of many making it a perfect tourist destination for all ages. 

Some known stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave... Ask your guide on what these resemble and you'd surely find it amusing. 

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave History

Besides being one of the top eco-tourism destinations of Camalig, Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is also a historical destination. Little do many know that there were jars discovered inside the cave that dates back around 200BC - 900 AD. Some of these jars are now housed in the National Museum in Manila while some are in Camalig Church. The cave was also used as a hideout of guerillas during the Second World War. It served the same purpose during the Martial Law years of the Marcos Regime, however, it wasn't guerillas who were using it but partygoers who wanted to escape the strict curfew during the time to dance their hearts out hence the dancefloor in one of the cave's chambers.

This part was said to be the meeting place of locals during the curfew hours of the Martial Law era

This is where they "party" during the said era...

Side entrance

The side exit going to the parking area

Walking back to the parking area

I got to visit the cave twice already. The first was a decade ago and the recent one was during the 3rd day of our Bicol Roadtrip 2019 of my family. My second trip was equally memorable as the first as I was able to share my experiences with my daughter and my parents like the first visit with my siblings. 

Check out these souvenirs sold at the parking area of Hoyop-Hoypan Cave

Gotta have that family picture in the cave

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave Entrance Fee:

Keep in mind that you have to shell out some cash when visiting. 
The entrance fee was 200 pesos for a group of 2-3 people. This includes the guide fee but nothing is stopping you from giving a tip. 
The parking fee, on the other hand, is 25 pesos.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Opening Hours:

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is open from 6:30AM - 6PM every day.

Why visit Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave?

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is a must-visit destination for those who are fond of adventures and exploring caves. The guides here are very knowledgable and funny. They would usually inject funny stories while sharing the rich history of the cave. However, if you have claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) or speluncaphobia (fear of caves) you may choose not to visit this cave.

Getting to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave:

From Manila, ride a bus bound to Legazpi City. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Camalig town proper. Ask the tricycle drivers if they could bring you to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave and wait for you while you explore it. They usually charge around P150 -200 pesos. 

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