Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Hoyop-hoyopan takes its name from the local word for blowing - the wind that moves steadily through the passages and keeps the chambers cool, unusual in a country where most caves are close and humid. The visitable section is easy: lit walkways, steps and handrails through halls of stalactites, columns and flowstone that guides name after the shapes they suggest, taking about an hour at a comfortable pace. Two things give it more interest than its size suggests. Archaeologists have recovered human remains and burial jar fragments here dating back thousands of years, part of the record of early settlement in the Bicol region. And within living memory the largest chamber served as a dance hall - young people from Camalig held parties underground, and during the Second World War the same caves sheltered villagers. Nearby Calabidongan Cave offers the wilder, wetter alternative for those who want to crawl rather than stroll.

The landscape

• The lit chambers - walkways past columns and flowstone.
• The through-breeze - the airflow that names the cave.
• The archaeology - the burial-jar and remains record.
• The dance-hall chamber - the hall that hosted parties.

When to go

November to May for easier roads; the cave itself is comfortable year-round thanks to the airflow. Mornings are quietest.

Practical notes

It is a developed show cave - lights, rails, guided groups - so cavers wanting adventure should ask about Calabidongan instead. Steps are wet in places. Guides are required and paid at the entrance.

Nearby

Quitinday Hills, Sumlang Lake and the Cagsawa ruins complete the Camalig circuit under Mayon.