Part 12 of a series.
DAY 2.
I assumed that we’d be going straight to the Camsur Watersports Complex already after our visit to the Cagsawa Ruins, but I was surprised and in turn, was very excited when dad told us that we’d be visiting a cave. A cave? Yes, a cave! The Hoyop Hoyopan Cave.
The Hoyop Hoyopan Cave is a cave-system in Camalig, Albay. It is the most popular destination in the town. (I only knew about this after our visit to the cave). It got its name from ‘hoyop’, a Bicolano word for ‘blow’. It’s not that you’ll feel strong winds inside the cave but it’s cool in there. It could be reached by any type of motor vehicles.
The short trek to the entrace of the cave.
The cave, which was discovered during the Japanese invasion and is currently private property belonging to three owners, has 3 layers. We were accompanied by one guide and he brought with him a gas lantern. (Entrance fee to the cave is P20/person plus you decide on how much you’ll pay the tourist guide.) You also won’t have to fear about walking in total darkness since the pathways are lighted by incandescent light bulbs. We were only able to explore two layers of the cave though due to time constraints.
The cave exploration was a very educational experience since the tour guide was very well informed. He shared all his knowledge to us like he was teaching kindergarten pupils making the tour very enjoyable. So, please allow me to share some of our experiences inside the cave through the photos below.
There are a lot of stalactite formations inside the cave that’ll surely amaze you.
A formation which resembles the Virgin Mary.
A formation which resembles a Marian grotto (taken from the exit of the cave’s first layer)
Actual formation of stalactites.
Another intersting formation: A dripping hand, which is believed to be miraculous.
Actual formation of quartz crystal.
A formation which resembles a pterodactyl head.
The cave is home to a lot of fruit bats.
A formation which resembles a “playing hard to get” sexy lady with long hair.
Can you see the crocodile head?
Now, can you see some crocodile tails?
“The Honeymoon Suite”
Can you see some snakes?
More crystal formations (although they can’t be clearly seen). The guide told us that some newly formed crystals were recently stolen from the cave.
And finally, the most recently discovered formation. Be afraid, be very afraid!
The Devil! This formation was discovered during the Holy Week of 2008. A devil discovered during the Holy Week? What a coincidence!
(…to be continued)
