Recommendations for northwards journey from Singapore up to Bkk..., and beyond.

[Sandy Freckle]

Currently I'm making basic plans to make a journey northwards from Singapore up to Bangkok..., and eventually farther north to Chiang Mai.
I'd prefer to travel mostly by train.., but I understand that local buses will be necessary at specific places. 
Can anyone recommend places to see, stay, eat at or generally include in such a journey, especially while travelling up the Malaysian Peninsular as I have virtually no knowledge of that country..., Thailand I've travelled within many times but helpful suggestions are always welcome. 
I'm specifically interested to hear of 'local food hotspots'(cold ale essential), the history of the peninsular itself (especially during WW2)...., and especially what places to 'stop and check out' within Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
And yes, I am aware of "The man in seat 61' website..., but I'm interested in hearing from some locals and expats..., or the like....? 
Can anyone share of their positive experiences ?
 

Edited October 2, 2019 by Sandy Freckle

[Crossy]

There is only one way to travel by train https://www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/

 

 

Singapore - Bangkok only USD 3,400 per person.

 

[Sandy Freckle]

Yeah right..., thank you, it's indeed a beautiful thing....,  a person would no doubt meet lots of authentic people on board that particular (gravy)train.

Edited October 3, 2019 by Sandy Freckle

[my friend I]

This guy is well travelled and lives in Singapore.  https://railtravelstation.com/  Note recent news about buying tickets for the shuttle from Singapore to JB Sentral.

 

The section from JB to Gemas is still not double track electric so you have to take an old train to there. After there the train service is wonderful. The kommuter trains are popular but there are plenty of them.

 

Places worth seeing.

Kluang. Old style town. Short walk undercover to a range of hotels. Some good food, even the toast in the train station is famous. [ Maybe not for westerners so much].

 

Ipoh. Old Chinese style area and colonial buildings at and near train station.

 

Taiping. Lake gardens. Wonderful. Maybe the best thing in Malaysia. Very friendly people. They were renovating the Peking hotel when I was last there. Worth a look if they have finished. https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/peking.html 

 

Penang. Getting the train to Butterworth and taking the ferry over to Georgetown a real highlight. Penang has everything. http://penangtalk.com/photos/

[Sandy Freckle]

Thanks my friend I..., that is some really good information..., exactly what I'm looking for.