It is VERY rainy. And super humid and warm.
Elders: bring mostly short sleeved shirts and light-weight, quick-drying golf pants. Serve shirts with vented sides are nice and the Alimen’s & Gentle (found on Amazon and cheaper than some of the others) hold up well.
There are remote mountain areas that require more rugged hiking shoes or boots.
You will need GOOD quality shoes. You walk a lot, often on rough terrain and shoes take a beating.
Bring several pair. It is harder to find shoes that are larger than men’s size 12.
Shoes that are more of a hiking shoe or boot are better than the dress shoes for this mission. ECCO hiking boots and hiking shoes are the most recommended, but Johnston & Murphy have been noted as great too.
A shoe dryer can be very helpful.
You will need flashlights and a rechargeable lantern as well.
A multitool will get used frequently.
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Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way.
These ECCOs are the more rugged, low cut hiking boot. They do well in the rougher terrain areas.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.