Your goal is to get as much detail as possible in the shaded parts without losing the vibrant colors of the sunny areas. A few simple techniques can help you handle these types of scenes, such as those listed in Forests and Trees . But if all else fails and you just can't get the effect you want, try using the time of day to your advantage. As the sun moves, so do the shadows. By studying the colors and shapes of your composition, you'll be able to achieve some outstanding pictures.
Daily rainstorms are typical in the tropics.
Slip on a slicker and try shooting your environment while it's wet. The rain can give your pictures a lush, exotic flavor. And because fewer people will venture out into the rain, your photos can look as if you had this tropical paradise all to yourself. The sky before and after rainstorms can be very dramatic. Watch for dark, silvery skies before the showers begin and for rainbows and streaks of light filtering through the clouds afterwards.